VETERAN  REUNION  j 


 OF  THE  

 FORMERLY  OF   j 

I 

i 

Wi'i^l|tV  (kftei^wkMbO  ^offeiy  Sfi^kde,  ]\Ial\oi|eV  I 

Si'iiiy  of  Xo^'tl:^^!'!)  Vii'^iilia  of  I 
t\\Q  doiifedefkte  ^tate^,  I 

July  30th  and  81st,  1874. 


i 


SAVANNAH: 
S.  J.  M.  Baker,  Printer. 
1875. 


VETERAN  REUNION 

 OF  THE  

,   FORMERLY  OF  

AYi'igl^t's  (aftei^vafd^4')  fioti^oVfi  Sfi^ade,  Mkl^oiie'^ 

Sfuiv  of  ;^oi'tl|ei'i|  Vit^T[ici  of 
tlie  doiifedei'ate  $tate^, 

July  SOfh  and  31st,  1874. 


SAVANNAH: 
S.  J.  M.  Baker,  Printer. 
1875. 


# 


In  submitting  to  his  old  comrades  and  the  public 
this  record  of  the  Reunion  of  the  surviving  veterans 
of  the  Third  Georgia  Regiment  of  Infantry— a  regi- 
ment that  bore  so  prominent  and  distinguished  a  part 
on  the  tented  field  in  the  struggle  for  the  independence 
of  the  Confederate  States — the  undersigned  believes 
it  has  been  made  his  duty  to  contribute  an  important 
and  interesting  page  to  the  full  history  of  those  stirring 
times. 

Valuable  aid  has  been  received  from  the  very  excel- 
lent newspaper  reports  made  at  the  time  of  the  memo- 
rable alfair,  and  ready  assistance  has  been  rendered 
by  every  surviving  member  of  the  old  Third,  and  of 
the  old  brigade  as  well,  who  has  been  approached  ; 
and  for  all  this  the  amplest  acknowledgements  are 
offered. 

Bespeaking  what  he  knows  he  will  receive— kindly 
indulgence  for  any  inaccuracies  that  have  escaped  the 
compiler's  inexperienced  eye — he  lays  down  his  pen 
with  a  sigh  as  the  task  closes  over  which  he  has  lin- 
gered with  many  tender  memories,  and  wishing  long 
life  and  happiness  to  all  the  gallant  friends  who  were 
left  by  war's  vicissitudes  to  enjoy  our  late  Reunion, 
indulges  the  hope  that  so  pleasant  an  occasion  may  be 
vouchsafed  to  us  all  again. 

A.  A.  Winn,  Secretary. 
Savannah,  Ga.,  Jan.,  1875, 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 
in  2013 


http://archive.org/details/veteranreunionofOOconf 


[Extract  from  a  private  letter  from  •'Commodore"  G.  N.  Dexter, 
formerly  Quartermaster  Sergeant  of  the  Regiment. 

Madison,  Ga.,  IN^ov.  8tli,  1874. 

Capt.  A.  A.  Winn  : 

My  Dear  Friend : — Your  favor  of  the  2d  inst.  just  at 
hand.  Having  been  absent  this  week  at  the  Fair  at 
Union  Point,  I  did  not  receive  it  as  soon  as  it  reached 
Madison. 

In  relation  to  the  date  of  the  first  call  to  take  the 
subject  of  a  Reunion  of  the  Veterans  of  the  Old  Third 
into  consideration,  I  will  state  that  it  had  impressed 
my  mind  for  the  past  three  years  that  nothing  could 
alford  greater  pleasure  to  the  survivors  of  our  old 
regiment  than  to  meet  at  some  suitable  time  and  place 
and  clasp  each  other' s  hands  again,  renew  old  acquain- 
tance, talk  over  the  struggles  we  together  had  to  pass 
through,  our  days  of  suffering  and  danger  in  the  camp 
and  on  the  battle  field.  I  hesitated  from  time  to  time, 
in  doubt  as  to  what  would  be  the  result  of  such  a 
move,  surrounded  as  we  were  by  political  confusion, 
and  questioning  if  radicalism,  negro-rule,  military 
despotism  and  the  many  other  evils  of  the  times  might 
not  combine  to  favor  and  propagate  to  the  injury  of 
our  people  and  section  a  misconstruction  of  the  mo- 
tive we  would  have  in  view.  And  hence,  I  delayed 
making  any  special  mention  of  it  until  the  first  of  May 
last ;  but  on  that  day  I  consulted  with  ten  or  twelve 
of  old  Company  D,  and  found  the  suggestion  met  the 
approval^of  all.  Consequently,  I  had  a  call  published 
for  a  meeting  of  all  the  survivors  of  Company  D,  to 
take  place  on  the  16th  day  of  May,  1874. 

Thus  the  ball  was  put  in  motion,  and  it  rolled  on 
and  on  by  the  assistance  of  yourself  and  all  others 
favorable  to  the  movement  until  it  was  crowned  with 
the  grandest  success  that  has  marked  a  Southern 


6 


gathering  since  the  war.  Others  since  then  have  met 
and  enjoyed  the  pleasures  of  a  reunion,  but  in  so  far 
as  I  have  seen  or  read,  none  to  my  mind  has  been 
equal  to  the  old  Third  Georgia's,  at  Union  Point.  As 
ours  was  first,  it  stands  foremost ;  and  with  pleasure, 
as  long  as  I  shall  live,  will  I  remember  those  two  days. 
How  I  delight  to  dwell  upon  them !  May  they  ever 
be  fresh  in  my  mind  !  I  love  the  spot,  and  the  three 
days  I  spent  on  the  same  ground  enjoying  the  hospi- 
talities of  the  good  people  of  Union  Point,  at  their 
County  Fair,  were  doubly  delightful  from  the  happy 
and  cherished  associations  that  now  cluster  at  that 
place.  The  ladies  (God  bless  them  !)  they  looked  just 
as  sweet  as  ever  ;  the  citizens,  all  were  just  as  warm- 
hearted and  as  anxious  to  make  one  of  the  old  Third 
at  home  ;  and  mothers,  fathers,  brothers  and  sisters, 
would  all  be  glad,  they  say,  if  we  would  call  on  them 
again  next  year.  I  must  confess,  that  in  all  my  trav- 
els, I  never  have  met  a  more  unanimously  hospitable, 
social,  clever  community  ;  it  can't  be  beat.. 
With  best  wishes  for  your  success,  I  am 

Truly  yours, 

G.  Dexter. 


FIRST  CALL. 
ATTENTION,  HOME  GMJARDS  ! 
Company  D,  3d  Georgia  Regiment  ! 

You  are  hereby  requested  to  attend  a  meeting  of  the  Company  to  be 
held  at  the  Court  House,  in  Madison,  on  Saturday,  May  16th,  1874. 

COME  ONE,  COME  ALL! 
As  business  of  interest  and  importance  is  to  be  transacted. 

By  request  of  Many  Members. 


FIRST  PRELIMINARY  MEETING. 

Attention,  3d  Georgia  Regiment  ! 
In  response  to  a  j)revious  call,  a  large  number  of  the 
surviving  members  of  Company  D,  of  tlie  3d  Georgia 
Regiment,  met  in  tlie  Court  House,  at  Madison,  on 
Saturday,  16tli  May,  1874. 


7 


On  motion,  Capt.  C.  H.  Andrews  was  called  to  the 
chair,  and  W.  T.  Hollingsworth  requested  to  act  as 
Secretary. 

Upon  taking  the  chair,  Capt.  Andrews  announced 
that  the  object  of  the  meeting  was  to  consider  the 
proposition  of  having  a  Eeunion  of  all  the  surviving 
members  of  the  3d  Georgia  Regiment,  and  to  deter- 
mine upon  the  time  and  place  of  holding  such  meeting. 

The  following  resolutions  were  offered  and  unani- 
mously adopted : 

Resolved,  That  each  surviving  member  report  to  the 
Secretary  his  name  to  be  enrolled,  and  if  wounded,  give 
time  and  place,  that  it  may  be  recorded  opposite  his  name. 

Resolved,  That  the  proprietor  of  the  Home  Journal  be 
requested  to  publish  the  roll  of  the  Company  when  com- 
pleted, and  the  proceedings  of  this  meeting,  as  a  matter 
of  public  interest. 

Resolved,  That  the  Secretary  compile  from  the  muster 
rolls,  morning  reports,  and  other  data,  a  history  of  the 
Company  for  pubHcation. 

The  following  is  a  list  of  the  names  of  those  present 
at  this  meeting : 

C.  H.  Andrews,  G.  N.  Dexter,  R.  H.  Harris,  E.  A. 
Furlow,  W.  L.  A.  Whitton,  J.  M.  Brown,  P.  W.  Wal- 
ton, W.  T.  Ballard,  B.  H.  Overby,  I.  W.  Reese,  S.  A. 
Harper,  J.  P.  Almand,  J.  M.  Stovall,  J.  A.  Fannin, 
Dan.  Towns,  J.  W.  Reese,  J.  K.  Wright,  B.  B.  Brown, 
W.  T.  Hollingsworth,  A.  J.  Reese,  W.  D.  Wynn,  F. 
M.  Luster,  G.  B.  Stovall,  W.  T.  Jones. 

Letters  were  read  from  Capt.  Corker,  of  Company 
A,  Capt.  Nesbit,  of  Company  B,  and  Sergt.  Levy,  of 
Company  H,  all  fervently  and  cordially  responding  in 
favor  of  the  movement  for  a  Reunion  of  the  old  Third 
Georgia  Regiment. 

Mr.  G.  N.  Dexter  moved  that  Union  Point  be 
selected  as  the  most  suitable  place  for  the  Reunion  to 
"be  held. 

Mr.  A.  J.  Reese  offered,  as  a  substitute,  that 
Augusta  be  selected. 
Mr.  R.'s  motion  was  put  and  lost. 


8 


Mr.  Dexter' s  motion  was  then  voted  on,  and  carried 
by  a  large  majority  in  favor  of  Union  Point. 

A  motion  was  made  that  the  meeting  take  place  on 
Thursday,  30th  of  July  next,  and  continue  for  two 
days  ;  which  motion,  on  being  put  by  the  chairman, 
was  unanimously  carried. 

On  motion,  a  committee  of  five,  consisting  of  G-.  N. 
Dexter,  W.  D.  Wynn,  B.  B.  Brown,  G.  B.  Stovall  and 
B.  H.  Overby,  was  appointed  to  make  general  arrange- 
ments and  correspond  with  other  officers  and  men  of 
the  old  command  in  reference  to  the  meeting. 

It  was  moved  and  carried  that  Col.  J.  S.  Reid  (who 
was  not  present  at  this  meeting)  be  the  permanent 
President,  and  W.  T.  Hollingsworth  permanent  Secre- 
tary of  the  Company  (as  newly  organized). 

On  motion,  a  committee  on  by-laws  was  appointed, 
consisting  of  B.  B.  Brown,  R.  H.  Harris,  E.  A.  Fur- 
low,  P.  W.  Walton  and  W.  T.  Hollingsworth. 

A  resolution  of  thanks  was  unanimously  voted  to 
our  old  comrade  and  Regimental  Quartermaster,  Capt. 
A.  Phillips,  of  Company  Gr,  for  his  attendance  at  this 
meeting. 

On  motion,  the  meeting  adjourned  to  meet  again  on 
the  13th  of  June  next. 

C.  H.  Andeews,  Ch'n. 
W.  T.  HoLLmGSWORTH,  Sec'y. 


SECOND  PRELIMINARY  MEETING. 

Meeting  of  the  Home  Guards. 

According  to  previous  adjournment,  a  goodly  num- 
ber of  the  Home  Guards,  Company  D,  met  in  the  Court 
House,  at  Madison,  13th  June,  1874,  Col.  J.  S.  Reid, 
President,  in  the  chaii\ 

The  object  of  the  meeting  was  stated  by  Capt, 
Andrews.  The  reports  of  committees  were  then  an- 
nounced to  be  first  in  order. 

The  committee  on  rules  and  regulations  made  its 
report.  Six  rules  are  embraced  in  this  report.  Rules 
1st  and  2d  read  as  follows : 


9 


First— This  corps  shall  be  called  the  "Veteran  Home 
Guards,"  and  shall  consist  of  all  the  surviving  men 
who  were  enrolled  and  mustered  into  the  service  dur- 
ing the  late  war  as  Company  D,  3d  Ga.  Regiment  of 
Volunteers. 

Second — The  objects  of  this  organization  is  to  keep 
intact,  as  near  as  possible,  a  roll  of  the  survivors  of  the 
former  organization,  and  to  collect  and  preserve  all  in- 
cidents and  facts  of  interest  connected  with  its  war 
record,  in  order  that  the  same  may  be  perpetuated. 

The  other  four  rules  have  reference  to  the  officers  of 
the  corps  and  their  duties,  etc. 

On  motion,  these  rules  and  regulations  were  unani- 
mously adopted. 

The  committee  on  general  arrangements  and  corres- 
pondence reported,  through  its  chairman,  Mr.  G.  N. 
Dexter.  Printed  copies  of  the  meeting  of  the  citizens 
of  Union  Point,  tendering  the  hospitalities  of  the  town 
and  the  use  of  the  Fair  Grounds,  etc.,  were  distributed 
among  the  members  present,  and  letters  were  read  from 
old  comrades  from  the  different  companies  that  com- 
posed the  regiment,  heartily  endorsing  the  movement 
for  a  Reunion  of  the  survivors  of  the  old  command. 
Arrangements  had  been  made  with  the  officers  of  the 
Georgia  Rail  Road  to  pass  all  who  were  members  of  the 
3d  Ga.  Regiment  to  the  place  of  meeting  and  return 
for  one  fare. 

It  was  moved  and  carried  that  each  member  of  the 
corps  provide  himself  with  three  days'  rations  and 
such  bed  clothing  as  he  may  deem  necessary. 

Capt.  Andrews  moved  that  the  committee  on  general 
correspondence  be  instructed  to  invite  Gen.  G.  M. 
Sorrel,  of  Savannah,  to  deliver  an  address  to  the  regi- 
ment on  the  occasion  of  its  Reunion,  which  motion 
was  unanimously  adopted. 

Dr.  Hollingsworth  moved  that  a  speaker  be  selected 
independent  of  the  regular  orator  for  the  occasion  to 


lO 


deliver  an  address  upon  the  history  of  the  Third 
Georgia  Regiment,  and  upon  its  deceased  and  lamented 
first  commander,  Gen.  A.  R.  Wright,  and  that  the 
same  committee  be  instructed  to  make  the  selection. 
The  motion  was  adopted. 

On  motion,  the  committee  on  arrangements  was  in- 
structed to  conler  with  the  authorities  of  the  Georgia 
Rail  Roaa  to  try  and  get  an  extension  of  the  free  re- 
turn tickets  from  the  Reunion  to  five  days,  instead  of 
two  days,  and  that  the  family  of  each  member  be  in- 
cluded in  the  same. 

It  was  moved  and  adopted  that  all  the  colored  ser- 
vants who  were  with  the  regiment  in  the  field,  be  invited 
to  attend. 

It  was  moved  and  carried  that  each  member  be 
assessed  twenty -five  cents  to  defray  incidental  expenses. 

On  motion,  the  meeting  adjourned  to  meet  again  on 
Saturday,  the  25th  July  next. 

J.  S.  Reid,  Pres't. 

W.  T.  HoLLiNGswoRTH,  Scc'y. 

The  old  members  of  Company  D  can  procure  certifi- 
cates of  membership  to  enable  them  to  be  at  the 
Reunion,  by  calling  on  either  Capt.  C.  H,  Andrews  or 
Capt.  J.  K.  Wright. 


THIRD  PRELIMINARY  MEETING. 

Pursuant  to  previous  adjournment,  Company  D  met 
in  the  Court  House,  on  Saturday,  the  25th  July  inst. 
Col.  Reid  being  absent,  Capt.  C.  H.  Andrews  was 
called  to  the  chair.  The  President  detailed  to  the 
members  present  the  plans  and  arrangements  that  had 
been  perfected  in  reference  to  the  approaching  Reunion 
of  the  3d  Ga.  Regiment. 

The  Secretary  read  letters  from  a  number  of  mem- 
bers of  the  old  command— of  the  number  was  one 
from  Col.  Snead,  accepting  an  invitation  to  deliver  an 
address  on  the  occasion,  together  with  his  printed  cir- 
cular addressed  to  old  comrades. 


11 


A  letter  from  Gen.  G.  M.  Sorrel,  of  Savannah,  was 
also  read,  regreting  his  inability  to  attend  and  deliver 
an  address,  but  promised  himself,  as  some  partial 
compensation,  the  privilege  of  communicating  a  letter 
at  the  Keunion,  conveying  his  congratulations  on 
the  occcasion. 

In  consequence  of  previous  engagements.  Gen.  J.  B. 
Gordon  could  not  be  present. 

Gov.  Smith  had  not  yet  been  heard  from,  in  reply  to 
a  request  that  his  Excellency  be  present  on  the  oc- 
casion. 

The  action  of  the  committee  in  arrangeing  a  pro- 
gramme for  the  occasion  of  the  Reunion,  was  reported, 
and  unanimously  approved  and  endorsed. 

On  motion,  it  was  resolved  that  we  return  our  sincere 
thanks  to  the  Panola  Guards  for  their  kind  invitation 
to  us  to  attend  and  participate  in  the  festivities  of  their 
Keunion  on  the  29th  inst. 

And  it  was  further  resolved,  that  we  hereby  extend 
to  each  surviving  member  of  that  gallant  Company  a 
cordial  invitation  to  unite  with  us  as  special  guests  of 
Company  D,  on  the  occasion  of  the  Reunion  of  the  3d 
Ga.  Regiment,  at  Union  Point,  on  the  30th  and  31st 
inst. 

On  motion,  the  Secretary  was  requested  to  at  once 
make  known  to  the  Panola  Guards  the  invitation  thus 
extended  them. 

It  was  moved  and  adopted  that  Mr.  Dan.  Towns  be 
appointed  as  the  Company  Quartermaster,  to  look  after 
the  baggage  of  the  same. 

A  resolution  of  thanks  was  voted  to  such  of  the 
public  press  as  have  kindly  noticed  the  proceedings  of 
our  meetings  on  the  subject  of  our  Reunion. 

On  motion,  the  meeting  adjourned,  subject  to  the 
call  of  the  President. 

C.  H.  Andrews,  Pres'tpro  tern. 

W.  T.  HoLLiNGSwoRTH,  Sec'y. 


12 


CIRCULAR. 
To  the  Surviving  Members  of  the  3d  Regiment  of  Georgia  Volunteers. 

Augusta,  Ga.,  July  14th,  1874. 

Friends  and  Countrymen: — As  the  last  commanding 
officer  of  tlie  old  Third  Georgia,  I  take  pleasure  and 
pride  in  endorsing  and  uniting  in  the  movement  among 
our  comrades  to  celebrate  the  first  Reunion  of  the 
surviving  members  of  the  Regiment,  at  Union  Point, 
on  the  30th  and  31st  instant. 

Such  a  Reunion  in  these  times  of  peace  of  those  who 
have  stood  side  by  side  and  unflinching  amidst  the  din 
and  dangers  of  many  a  hard  fought  battle,  cannot  but 
prove  gratifying  in  its  features  and  happy  in  its  results. 

Every  arrangement  has  been  made  for  the  success  of 
the  occasion,  and  some  efforts  will  doubtless  be  inau- 
gurated to  perpetuate  in  enduring  form  the  glorious 
history  of  the  war-worn  organization. 

Be  assured  your  presence  in  full  numbers  is  earnestly 
requested.  Over  the  line  of  the  Georgia  Rail  Road 
and  connections  members  of  the  Regiment  will  be 
transported  for  one  fare  and  return  free. 

Hoping  to  meet  you  all  on  the  days  of  the  Reunion, 
I  have  the  honor  to  be,  comrades, 

Very  respectfully  yours, 

Claiborne  Snead, 
Surviving  Colonel  of  the  3d  Ga.  Regt.. 


REGRETS 

From  Dr.  Kilby,  of  Suffolk,  Va.,  late  Surgeon  of  the  Regiment. 

Suffolk,  Va.,  July  20th,  1874. 
Capt.  A.  A.  Winn,  Savannah,  Ga. — 

3hj  Dear  Sir  .-—Yours  of  June  19th  came  to  hand  in 
due  time,  and  should  have  been  answered  before  this 
late  date,  but  I  have  been  trying  to  make  arrange- 
ments to  go  to  Union  Point,  and  be  with  you  at  the 
Reunion  of  the  old  3d  Georgia.  I  regret  exceedingly 
that  it  will  be  entirely  out  of  my  power  to  make  a  visit 
to  your  State,  that  I  have  so  much  desired  since  the 
war.    Our  sickly  season  is  now  on  us,  and  we  are 


13 


having  more  sickness  than  usual,  in  consequence  of 
which,  I  am  very  closely  confined  at  home  plodding 
along  in  professional  duties  that  are  arduous  and  not 
profitable.  It  is  impossible  to  express  my  gratitude 
towards  you  and  others  for  the  very  kind  manner  in 
which  you  and  many  others  of  the  regiment  have 
thought  and  still  think  of  me,  and  for  the  many  ex- 
pressions of  kind  feelings  towards  myself  and  mine. 
It  is  certainly  very  kind  in  all  of  you  to  think  of  me  so 
far  away,  and  to  extend  an  invitation  to  be  present  on 
the  occasion  of  your  re-organization.  Accept  my 
thanks— but  I  connot  find  words  to  express  my  feel- 
ings— imagine  them  if  you  can.  I  want  you  to  present 
my  name  at  the  Reunion,  and  have  it  placed  on  the 
roll  as  a  permanent  member  of  the  regiment,  and  if 
consistent,  would  be  more  than  delighted  to  know  that 
I  can  again  subscribe  myself  ''Surg.  3d  Gra.  Regt." 

If  you  come  to  Virginia  this  summer,  I  shall  cer- 
tainly expect  to  see  you,  and  then  what  a  jolly  good 
time  we  will  have,  talking  over  and  recalling  the  many 
pleasant  moments  we  had  around  the  camp-fire  of  the 
old  3d  Georgia.  Why,  Asa,  I  feel  real  jolly  at  the 
bare  idea  of  meeting  with  you  and  talking  about 
^'Si)be"  Barnwell,  Parson  Stoakes,  Dr.  Thompson, 
Jim  Hester,  and  a  whole  host  of  others.  Do  you  re- 
•meniber  how  Parson  Stoakes,  Dr.  Thompson  and  I, 
used  to  abuse  you  and  Sebe  because  you  had  us  up 
so  parly  those  cold  mornings,  and  sound  the  '  'surgeon' s 
call  "  for  at  least  one-fourth  the  regiment  to  march  up 
and  receive  his  portion  of  castor  oil  or  blue  pill  and 
quinine,  with  an  occasional  dose  of  bad  whiskey  and 
red  pepper?  Those  were  jolly  times.  What  has  be- 
come of  Sebe  and  his  little  drum  ?  When  you  see 
Sebe,  ask  him  if  he  has  forgotten  the  big  blister  he  had 
put  over  all  the  bowels  and  stomach  hoping  to  get  a 
furlough,  and  then  didn't  get  it?  I  should  like  so 
much  to  see  him,  and  hear  him  beat  the  "double  quick;'' 
it  would  look  so  much  like  those  good  old  war  times, 
when  we  fought  for  glory,  quarter  rations  and  no 


14 


clothes.  What  has  become  of  Jim  Hester  and  Dr. 
Thompson  ?  1  have  heard  from  them  once  or  twice 
since  the  war,  but  have  heard  nothing  in  three  or  four 
years.  If  still  alive,  and  you  see  them  at  your  Reunion, 
give  them  a  good  hug  for  me,  and  tell  them  to  keep 
me  in  kind  remembrance — not  to  forget  their  old  chum 
and  comrade  in  hardships  and  short  rations.  Don't 
fail  to  present  my  kindest  regards  to  each  and  every 
one  of  the  old  Third  ;  and  tell  them  I  still  hold  them 
in  the  most  affectionate  remembrance,  and  never  pan 
forget  their  many  kindnesses  towards  me.  You  niust 
send  me  all  the  papers  containing  any  account  of  your 
Eeunion,  and  let  me  know  all  the  proceedings  and 
facts.  I  hope,  by  the  time  the  next  meeting  takes 
place,  business,  health  and  other  circumstances  will 
permit  me  to  be  present  for  duty.  I  regret  so  much  I 
can't  be  there  to  answer  to  my  name,  present,''  when 
it  is  called — but,  Asa,  you  must  do  so  for  me,  and 
look  just  behind  your  President's  chair  and  you  will 
see  my  spirit,  for  that  will  be  there  though  the  body  is 
denied  the  pleasant  privilege. 

The  idea  has  occurred  to  me  to  try  to  get  up  a  "Begi- 
mental  Photograph  Gallery,''  for  my  parlor.  For  this 
purpose,  I  want  you  to  ask  as  many  as  can  do  so,  to 
forward  to  me  here  their  photograph  pictures  (with 
their  families,  if  they  choose),  with  their  own  signature 
and  address,  and  I  will  return  them  mine  as  reminis- 
cences of  war  times.  Do  you  think  I  can  succeed  I 
If  they  would  do  so,  and  give  me  the  letter  of  their 
company,  I  would  arrange  them  in  company  order 
around  the  wall.  1  took  a  large  sheet  of  paper  that  I 
might  write  a  long  letter.  Let  me  hear  from  you  as 
early  as  possible,  and  tell  me  all  the  news  about  the 
Reunion,  etc.  Present  my  kindest  regards  and  un- 
mingled  regrets  to  the  old  Third,  at  my  not  being  able 
to  be  with  you  on  the  happy  occasion  of  the  Reunion. 
Let  me  hear  from  you,  and  believe  me  as  ever,  your 
sincere  and  attached  friend, 

Jno.  T.  Kilby,  "  Surg.  3d  Ga.  Regt." 


Thursday,  July  30,  and  Friday,  July  31,  J  874, 
At  union  point,  Ga. 


Some  three  months  previous  to  the  date,  "  Commodore  '" 
G.  N.  Dexter,  of  Madison,  Georgia,  at  a  meeting  of  his  old 
Company,  the  Home  Guards,  had  suggested  a  social  re- 
union of  the  survivors  of  the  Third  Regiment  of  Georgia 
Volunteers  (infantry),  of  which  the  Company  had  formed 
a  part  during  its  ser\dce  in  the  Army  of  Northern  Vir- 
ginia, commanded  by  General  Robert  E.  Lee,  in  the  war 
for  the  Confederate  States ;  and  the  30tli  and  31st  of  July 
were  fixed  upon  as  the  days  for  this  novel  and  pleasant 
gathering,  and  Union  Point,  on  the  line  of  the  Georgia 
Rail  Road,  between  Augusta  and  Atlanta,  was  chosen  as 
the  place. 

At  one  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  Thursday,  the  30th  of 
July,  a  special  car  on  the  Georgia  Road  from  Augusta 
was  left  at  the  Union  Point  depot  by  the  passing  train, 
and  in  it  were  many  of  the  veteran  members  of  the  Con- 
federate Light  Guards,  of  Augusta,  and  of  the  Burke 
Guards,  of  Burke  Co.,  among  whom  were  Col.  Claiborne 
Snead,  Capt.  S.  A.  Corker,  Lieut.  M.  Rice,  and  Lieut.  S. 
J.  Bell — the  latter  two  gentlemen  having  had  their  left  legs 
shot  off  at  Gettysburg,  and  received  then-  wounds  in  al- 
most identically  the  same  places.  Gardner's  brass  band, 
of  Augusta,  was  along,  and  having  escorted  the  veterans  on 
their  departure  from  that  city  with  the  "  Bonny  Blue 
Flag,"  amidst  the  cheers  of  the  assembled  crowd,  con- 
tinued to  awaken  enthusiasm  with  patriotic  strains.  It  is 
recorded  that  the  first  symptom  of  the  Reunion  had  been 
early  observed  in  this  special  coach  in  the  shape  of  an 
ominous  black  bottle  moving  aroimd  the  water  tank. 


16 


Bank  seemed  to  be  forgotton  in  the  presence  of  this  un- 
erring emblem  of  ciyilization,  this  companion  in  peace, 
war  pestilence,  famine  or  plenty.  "  An  American  never 
starts  to  do  anything  without  first  taking  a  drink,"  some- 
body said,  and  had  the  author  of  that  been  along,  he 
would  certainly  have  had  reason  for  strengthening  his 
opinion. 

Detachments  from  the  Athens  Guards,  Clarke  Rifles, 
of  Clarke  Co.,  Home  Guards,  of  Madison,  Dawson  Grays, 
of  Greene  Co.,  and  Young  Guards,  of  Co^dngton,  were  first 
to  greet  and  welcome  these  first  arrivals.  The  principal 
hotel  of  the  town  having  been  unfortunately  burned  sev- 
eral months  previously,  the  majority  of  the  visitors  re- 
mained on  the  train  until  dawn,  and  a  few  found  accom- 
modations in  private  houses. 

With  the  later  trains  from  Athens,  Atlanta  and  xlugusta, 
the  number  of  veterans  increased,  many  of  the  survivors 
of  the  old  Third  Georgia  promptly  appearing — glad  to 
take  part  in  the  festivities  of  a  social  reunion  for  the  first 
time  since  their  blood-stained  banner  was  forever  furled 
at  Appomattox,  nearly  ten  years  before. 


FIRST  DAY. 

Several  days  in  advance  of  the  30th,  "Commodore" 
Dexter,  the  indefatigable  chairman  of  the  committee  of  ar- 
rangements appointed  by  Company  D — the  Home  Guards, 
of  Madison — had  occupied  the  Fair  Grounds  at  Union 
Point  in  force,  and  assisted  by  Capt.  Alexander  Phillips, 
of  the  Confederate  Light  Infantry,  of  Augusta,  had 
thoroughly  prepared  the  place  for  the  coming  celebration. 
The  generous  citizens  of  Greene  had  previously  held  a 
public  meeting,  inviting  the  iieunion,  and  pledging  in  no 
stinted  [terms  their  sympathy,  co-operation  and  hospi- 
tality. Not  a  few  came  themselves,  and  lent  strong  help- 
ing hands  in  satisfactorily  effecting  the  setting  in  order  of 
the  chosen  camping  ground. 


17 


The  Greene  County  Fair  Grounds  contain  several  acres 
of  land  neatly  enclosed,  lying  just  without  the  limits  of 
Union  Point,  and  in  a  direction  somewhat  South  East 
of  the  town,  on  the  line  and  South  of  the  Georgia  Bail 
Eoad.  That  portion  of  the  grounds  nearest  to  the  town 
is  shaded  by  a  beautiful  natural  grove  of  oak  and  hickory, 
amidst  which  have  been  built  by  the  energy  and  enterprise 
of  the  County  Fair  Association  the  usual  exhibition  edi- 
fices. Among  these.  Floral  Hall,  a  circular  central  build- 
ing, and  the  Grand  Stand,  which  overlooks  the  race  track 
to  the  East  in  the  wide  open  space  that  forms  the  Eastern 
part  of  the  grounds,  are  most  prominent ;  and  within  these 
buildings  comfortable  bunks  made  of  plank  and  filled  with 
wheat  straw  had  been  constructed,  and  here  the  veterans, 
each  man  with  his  own  blanket,  were  to  recall  in  a  pleas- 
ant, practical  way,  their  experiences  of  actual  soldiering. 
A  magnificent  spring  in  the  South  West  corner  of  the 
grounds  gushed  forth  amidst  the  embowering  oaks,  and 
furnished  the  rare  luxury  to  soldiers  of  pure  and  refresh- 
ing water  in  generous  abundance.  South  of  the  Floral 
Hall  a  platform  had  been  erected  and  benches  arranged, 
and  not  far  from  the  Entrance  Gate  had  been  dug  trenches 
for  barbacuing  meats,  and  put  up  a  half  dozen  long 
tables,  on  which  was  to  be  spread  the  grand  feast  tendered 
the  assembled  veterans  by  the  Dawson  Grays,  of  Greene 
County,  and  the  noble  citizens  of  that  county.  The  en- 
tire grounds  had  been  thoroughly  cleaned  up,  and,  to- 
gether with  all  the  buildings,  were  in  most  admirable  trim 
and  condition.  Bountiful  donations  of  supplies  and  pro- 
visions of  all  kinds  were  generously  sent  in  by  the  people 
of  the  town  and  the  county,  and  many  an  "  old  reb  "  there 
was  permitted  to  smile  complacently  at  a  commissariat 
which  in  the  days  that  that  happy  event  was  so  vividly 
recalling  would  have  been  regarded  as  wonderfully  sump- 
tuous and  magnificent  as  the  heaps  of  treasure  that 
dazzled  all  beholders  in  Aladdin's  palace, 

At  2  P.  M.,  in  the  City  Hall  of  Union  Point,  a  meeting 
of  officers  of  the  regiment  was  held,  for  purposes  of  pre- 
liminary organization,  the  Grangers  in  the  mean  time 

2 


18 


occupying  the  Fair  Grounds  in  mass  meeting,  before 
whom  speeches  were  delivered  by  Gen.  A.  H.  Colquitt, 
Gen.  Goode  Bryan,  Col.  David  E.  Butler  and  others. 

At  4  P.  M.,  the  veterans  of  the  Third  Georgia  assembled 
at  the  platform  in  the  Fair  Grounds,  and  were  called  to 
order  by  Capt.  C.  H.  Andrews,  of  the  Home  Guards,  of 
Madison.  On  motion  of  Col.  Claiborne  Snead,  A.  A.  Winn 
was  elected  Secretar3\ 

Upon  taking  the  chair,  Capt.  Andrews  said  : 

My  Friends  and  Comrades 

of  the  Old  Third  Ga.  Regiment  : 
In  the  month  of  May  last,  Mr.  G.  N.  Dexter,  the  Quarter- 
master Sergeant  of  our  old  regimeni,  suggested  a  reunion 
of  the  surviving  members  of  the  regiment,  at  some  con- 
venient time  and  place.  Upon  that  suggestion  a  meeting 
of  Company  D  was  called,  to  consider  the  question.  By 
correspondence  our  plans  were  approved,  and  the  co-op- 
eration of  the  other  companies  was  promised  us.  To 
avoid  divided  councils,  Company  D,  through  a  committee, 
proceeded  to  make  all  general  arrangements,  after  fixing 
the  time  and  place.  The  efforts  of  that  committee  have 
resulted  in  our  meeting  to-day.  I  feel  honored  at  being 
called  upon  to  preside  at  this,  the  first  reunion  of  the 
regiment.  In  by-gone  days,  I  felt  it  an  honor  to  lead  you, 
as  soldiers,  on  the  march,  and  in  the  impetuous  charge  on 
the  battle-field.  At  meeting  you,  war-worn  veterans, 
memory  crowds  the  mind  with  incidents  of  our  four  years* 
struggle.  Your  valor  is  blocked  in  imfading  letters  in  the 
granite  heights  about  Gettysburg,  and  wpon  the  moun- 
tain side  in  Manassas  Gap  ;  your  endurance  marked  the 
line  at  Petersburg,  and  overcome  the  snows  of  Northern 
Virginia  ;  your  dead  sleep  within  ear  shot  of  the  rolling 
sea  at  Roanoke  Island,  in  the  swamps  of  the  great  "  Dis- 
mal," by  the  sluggish  waters  of  the  Chickahominy,  be- 
neath the  green  slopes  of  Malvern  Hill,  upon  the  fields  of 
Sharpsburg,  in  the  thickets  of  the  Wilderness,  in  the 
enemy's  works  at  Chancellorsville,  and  along  the  line  of 
the  retreat  from  Richmond.  We,  the  survivors,  only  sur- 
rendered when  General  Lee  said  we  should  return  to  our 
homes  and  fight  no  more. 

Comrades,  we  meet  to-day  to  recall  the  past — its  pains 
with  its  pleasures,  its  endurance  with  its  hardships,  its 
devotion  and  its  disasters.  We  meet  to  look  into  faces 
again  that  we  learned  years  ago  to  love ;  to  clasp  again 


19 


hands  that  battled  for  our  homes  and  for  our  Hberties. 
We  do  not  meet  to  revive  angry  discussion,  or  to  conjure 
up  sectional  hatred.  In  olden  times  we  were  patriots 
enough  to  be  jealous  of  our  rights  in  the  government,  and 
we  were  manly  enough  to  endeavor  to  defend  them.  We 
never  were  degraded  enough  to  hate  a  foe,  who  dared  to 
defend  his  side  of  the  question.  We  propose  to  perpetu- 
ate the  records  of  our  valor,  to  be  an  association  of  veter- 
ans to  keep  green  memories  of  the  past  war,  only  to  be- 
come extinct,  as  an  organization,  when  the  last  one 
of  us  is  carried  in  silence  to  the  "  low  browed  mystic- 
vault.''  The  meeting  being  now  organized,  we  are  ready 
for  any  business  that  may  be  submitted  for  our  consider- 
ation. 

On  motion  of  Col.  Snead,  the  roll  was  called  by 
companies,  the  following  veterans  responding  to  their 
names : 

ROLL  GALL  OF  THE  YETERANS. 

Company  A,  Burke  Guards,  of  Burke  County — Capt.  S. 
A.  Corker,  Lieut.  S.  J.  Bell,  Sergt.  Drewry  Reeves^ 
Corp.  J.  P.  Bell,  Corp.  F.  N.  Burton,  James  Attaway, 
Abram  Chance,  B.  D.  Lester,  W.  McCatheren,  J.  W. 
Sandeford,  W.  Warnock. 

Company  B,  Broion  Rifles,  of  Putnam  County — Capt.. 
Jno.  S.  Reid,  E.  H.  Yancy. 

Company  C,  Daioson  Grays,  of  Greene  County — Maj.  R. 
L.  McWhorter  (formerly  Captain,  promoted),  Capt. 
J.  F.  Greer,  Capt.  J.  R.  Sanders,  Capt.  J).  Sanders, 
Lieut.  J.  F.  Cheney,  Sergt.  Joseph  Davidson,  Sergt. 
C.  B.  Mitchell,  Sergt.  J.  T.  Chapman,  Corp!  E,  R. 
Cheney,  Corp.  M.  S.  Hobbs,  H.  E.  Jernigan,  C.  L. 
Lankford,  W.  K.  Mullins,  N.  Pippin,  E.  S.  Powell,  J. 
S.  Barnwell,  R.  T.  Dolvin,  C.  C.  Lankford,  B.  E. 
Spencer,  Wm.  Morgan,  Thos.  Aikin,  W.  S.  Williams, 
W.  H.  Johnson,  A.  Agee,  J.  R.  Aikin,  Jno.  Armstrong, 
T.  W.  Benton,  R.  S.  Cheney,  J.  H.  English,  J.  IS". 
English,  S.  Agee,  C.  M.  Sanders,  J.  W.  Watson, 
J.  H.  Whitlow,  J.  B.  Williams,  B.  Johnson,  S.  Eng- 
lish, W.  T.  Lindsey,  Thos.  Foster,  J.  L.  Wilson, 
W.  R.  Wilson,  J.  O.  Boswell. 


20 


Company  D,  Home  Guards,  of  3Iorgan  County — Col. 
Jas.  S.  Reid  (formerly  Capt.  and  i^romoted  Lieut. 
Colonel),  Capt.  C.  H.  Andrews,  Capt.  Jas.  K.  Wriglit, 
Lieut.  W.  D.  Wynn,  Dr.  W.  T.  Hollingswortli,  Asst. 
Surgeon,  Q.  M.  Sergt.  G.  N.  Dexter,  J.  W.  Reese,  N. 
Pitts,  D.  Towns,  B.  F.  Sammons,  R.  L.  Peacock,  W. 
Wiley,  J.  Reese,  F.  Laster,  G.  D.  Harwell,  S.  Harper, 
C.  B.  Barrow,  C.  Hill,  J.  Richardson,  W.  T.  Jones, 
C.  Brooks,  R.  H.  Harris,  W.  T.  Bullard,  G.  B.  Stovall, 
J.  P.  Almands,  Peter  W.  Walton,  J.  C.  Anderson,  B. 

B.  Brown,  W.  A.  Brooks,  W.  L.  Thrasher,  J.  A.  Fan- 
nil,  E.  A.  Furlow,  A.  J.  Reese. 

Company  E,  Governor  s  Guards,  of  Houston  County — 
Capt.  Jas.  W.  Mathews,  R.  W.  Rutherford. 

Company  F,  Wilkinson  Rifles,  of  Wilkinson  County — W. 
H.  Tillery. 

Company  G,  Confederate  Light  Guards,  of  Augusta,  Ga. — 
Col.  Claiborne  Snead  (Capt.  and  promoted  Colonel), 
Lieut.  M.  Rice,W.  Bartlett,  Moses  McCook,  T.  Roney, 
G.  A.  Snead. 

Company  H,  Young  Guards,  of  Neioton  County— Ma.^. 
John  F.  Jones  (formerly  Capt.  and  promoted  Major), 
Capt.  S.  H.  Starr  (Lieut,  and  promoted  Capt.  of  Ord- 
nance), Lieut.  A.  H.  Zachary,  Sergt.  R.  W.  Bagby, 
Sergt.  G.  S.  Cowan,  Sergt.  Jas.  DeLaney,  Sergt.  M.  J. 
Harralson,  J.  C.  Anderson,  J.  S.  Carroll,  J.  W.  Davis, 
M.  E.  Ellis,  T.  K.  Harralson,  Maj.  A.  H.  Lee  (formerly 
Capt.  and  promoted  Major),  Cor23.  T.  H.  Kennan, 
Corp.  W.  H.  Hammett,  Jo.  Harris,  J.  H.  Harris,  E.  J. 
Horton,  J.  M.  Levy,  A.  C.  McCalla,  W.  W.  Osborne, 
George  Russell,  J.  E.  Wheeler,  H.  C.  Harralson. 

Company  I,  Carsioell  Guards,  of  Wilkinson  County — No 
representation. 

Company  K,  Athens  Guards,  of  Clarke  County — Col.  H. 

C.  Billups  (formerly  Captain  and  promoted  Colonel), 
Lieut.  S.  D.  Mitchell,  Sergt.  C.  W.  Reynolds,  Corp. 
John  T.  Greer,  R.  K.  Reaves,  William  D.  Luckie, 
George  Griffith,  Frank  Jackson,  W.  A.  Sims,  S.  M. 


21 


Barber,  Geo.  Mabry,  R.  T.  Durham,  A.  A.  Edge,  Jas. 
O'Farrell,  B.  Durham,  I.  L.  Rice,  J.  G.  McCurdy,  A. 
A.  Winn. 

Comixiny  L,  Clarke  County  Rifles,  of  Clarke  County — Capt 
Warren  H.  Beardin,  W.  H.  Hale,  W.  A.  Thornton,  J. 
y.  Bradberry,  S.  D.  Hardigree,  William  Collier,  W. 
J.  Fielding,  William  Nowell,  James  Wilson. 

Capt.  S.  A.  Corker,  of  the  Burke  Guards,  ex-mem- 
ber of  Congress  from  the  Fifth  District  of  Georgia,  sub- 
mitted the  following  resolutions,  which,  after  discus- 
sion, were  passed : 

Resolved,  That  a  committee  be  raised,  consisting  of 
one  member  from  each  company,  to  whom  shall  be 
referred  all  matters  of  business. 

Resolved,  That  said  committee  consider  and  perfect  a 
plan  of  organization  of  the  regiment  as  a  corps  of 
veterans,  and  submit  the  same  to  the  regiment  at  9 
o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

Resolved^  That  immediately  after  the  adjournment  of 
this  meeting,  each  company  perfect  its  organization 
and  elect  their  member  of  the  committee  raised,  and 
report  the  names  to  the  Secretary. 

The  Chairman  designated  the  following  gentlemen  to 
compose  this  committee : 

Capt.  S.  A.  Corker,  of  the  Burke  Guards,  Chairman  ; 
Capt.  John  S.  Reid,  of  the  Brown  Rities  ;  Capt.  D. 
Sanders,  of  the  Dawson  Grays ;  Priv.  George  B. 
Stovall,  of  the  Home  Guards  ;  Priv.  Robert  W.  Ruth- 
erford, of  the  Governor's  Guards  ;  Priv.  W.  H.  Tillery, 
of  the  Wilkinson  Rifles ;  Capt.  Alexander  Phillips, 
Assistant  Quartermaster,  of  the  Confederate  Light 
Guards  ;  Lieut.  A.  H.  Zachary,  of  the  Young  Guards: 
Priv.  James  O'Farrell,  of  the  Athens  Guards  ;  Sergt. 
S.  D.  Hardigree,  of  the  Clarke  County  Rifles. 

The  chair  announced  that  a  letter  Ironi  Dr.  John  T. 
Kilby,  of  Suff'olk,  Ya.,  former  Surgeon  of  the  regi- 
ment, was  in  the  hands  of  the  Secretary,  w^hich,  on 
motion,  was  read  and  heartily  received. 

The  meeting  took  recess,  on  motion  of  Maj.  R.  L. 
McWhorter,  to  9  o'clock  A.  M.,  next  day.  Subse- 


22 


quent  to  the  recess,  calls  were  made  for  Col.  Snead, 
Maj.  A.  H.  Lee,  Gen.  E.  S.  Thomas,  of  Covington,  who 
commanded  a  brigade  in  the  Army  of  Northern  Vir- 
ginia, Maj.  McWhorter,  "Commodore"  Dexter  and 
others,  and  brief  and  happy  responses  Avere  given. 

In  the  evening,  the  camp  of  the  veterans  was  bril- 
liantly illuminated  by  torch-light  beacons,  and  amidst 
the  radiance  they  threw  over  the  grove  and  the  grounds 
gallant  and  fair  forms  flitted  as  the  old  soldiers  and 
their  lady  friends  made  merry  in  the  balmy  summer 
night.  Gardner's  band,  with  joyous  music,  lead  the 
dancers  on  the  ample  platform  through  the  bewitch- 
ing mazes  of  the  waltz,  and  the  more  stately  evolu- 
tions of  the  cotillion,  until  the  twinkling  of  the  morning- 
star  warned  the  happy  revellers  that  night' s  candles 
were  burning  low.  Nor  was  all  the  pleasure  of  the  rare 
occasion  confined  to  the  immediate  camp  of  the  old 
soldiers.  In  Union  Point,  the  ladies  and  gentlemen  of 
the  Dramatic  Club  of  that  goodly  place,  catching  the 
enthusiasm  of  the  boys  of  the  old  Third,  enlivened  the 
evening  with  amateur  theatricals,  Bulwer's  play  of 
the  "Lady  of  Lj'ons,"  and  the  farce,  "Loan  of  a 
Lover,"  being  most  creditably  presented  early  in  the 
night  for  the  entertainment  and  amusement  of  such 
of  the  veterans  and  their  friends  as  desired  to  preface 
the  terpsichorean  festivities  awaiting  them  at  the  Fair 
Grounds  with  the  equally  as  pleasurable  enjoyment 
afforded  by  agreeably  rendered  dramatic  interpreta- 
tions ;  and  thus,  with  admiring  the  soldierly  character 
and  sympathizing  with  the  unhappy  love  of  Claude 
Melnotte,  and  laughter  at  life's  comicalities,  and  danc- 
ing '  neath  the  glinting  stars,  and  telling  tales  of  dan- 
gers past,  and  rehearsing  warlike  scenes,  the  veterans 
closed  the  first  day  of  their  Reunion. 


23 


SECOND  DAY, 

Friday,  the  31st  of  July,  dawned  as  bright  and 
beautiful  as  the  preceding  day  had  been,  and  from 
the  balmy  air  and  golden  sunshine  that  fanned  the 
earth  and  filled  the  world  with  merry  beams  it  looked 
as  if  heaven's  most  auspicious  smiles  were  blessing 
the  occasion. 

At  an  early  hour  a  vast  concourse  of  visitors  had 
joined  the  veterans  at  the  Fair  Grounds.  The  opening 
ceremony  of  the  day  was  indeed  an  interesting  one — 
it  was  the  unfurling  and  hanging  over  the  platform  the 
old  battle  flag  of  the  Third  Georgia.  This  flag,  the 
regular  Confederate  field  flag,  the  Southern  Cross,  in 
blue  with  thirteen  white  stars,  on  a  red  ground,  had 
been  borne  by  the  regiment  with  the  Army  of  North- 
ern Virginia,  and  at  the  surrender  at  Appomattox 
Court  House,  on  the  9th  of  April,  1865,  had  been  taken 
from  the  staff"  by  Col.  Claiborne  Snead,  and,  wrapped 
around  his  body,  thus  concealed,  was  rescued  from 
the  hands  of  the  enemy,  and  by  him  brought  home< 
It  was  faded  by  sunshine  and  storm,  and  shot  into 
fragments  by  bullets  ;  and  as  it  again  floated  in  the 
morning  breeze  amidst  huzzahs  and  cheers  from  men 
and  women,  it  caused  a  strange  thrill  and  a  wild  throb 
to  vibrate  through  the  hearts  that  again  surrounded  it. 
The  flag  hung  in  its  place  all  through  that  day. 

At  9  o'  clock  the  long  roll  was  beat,  and  the  veterans 
assembled  at  the  platform.  The  meeting,  in  pursu- 
ance to  adjournment,  was  called  to  order  by  Capt.  C. 
H.  Andrews,  who  in  doing  so  made  appropriate  refer- 
ence to  the  old  battle  flag  just  suspended  in  view,  and 
by  his  suggestion  the  veterans  and  audience  rose  to 
their  feet  in  greeting  it. 

The  minutes  of  the  previous  meeting  were  read  by 
the  Secretary  and  regularly  conflrmed. 

The  Committee  on  business  and  permanent  organi- 
zation, through  Capt  Stephen  A,  Corker,  Chairman, 
submitted  the  following  report : 


24 


We,  the  committee,  recommend  that  the  following 
rules  be  adopted  for  the  government  of  the  Third  Regi- 
ment of  Georgia  Volunteers,  at  their  future  Reunions. 

We  recommend  that  we  style  ourselves  the  "Vet- 
erans of  the  Late  Third  Georgia  Regiment." 

The  officers  shall  be  composed  of  a  President,  a 
first  and  second  Vice  Presidents,  a  Secretary,  Assis- 
tant Secretary,  Historian,  Quartermaster,  Assistant 
Quartermaster,  a  Commissary  and  Assistant  Com- 
missary, Surgeon,  Assistant  Surgeons,  and  a  Chaplain, 
who  shall  be  elected  annually,  at  the  reunions,  and 
continue  in  office  until  their  successors  be  appointed. 

It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  President  to  preside  at 
all  reunions  of  the  Regiment ;  in  the  event  of  the  Presi- 
dent being  absent,  the  Vice  Presidents  shall  preside  in 
the  order  of  seniority. 

It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Secretary  to  keep  a  record 
of  each  meeting  of  the  Regiment,  and  report  the  same 
to  the  Historian. 

It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Historian  to  gather  all  the 
incidents  of  the  Regiment  that  w^ould  be  of  interest, 
and  have  them  recorded  for  preservation. 

It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Quartermaster  to  provide 
for  personal  comfort,  quarters,  fuel  and  transportation 
at  each  reunion. 

It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Commissary  to  take 
charge  and  provide  for  this  particular  department  at 
each  reunion. 

The  President  and  Vice  Presidents  shall  be  a  com- 
mittee to  arrange  for  each  reunion. 

There  shall  be  a  committee  of  one  from  each  Com- 
pany, who  shall  prepare  a  full  history  of  his  Company, 
embracing  the  muster  roll,  encampments,  battles, 
marches,  list  of  killed  and  wounded,  the  time  and 
place,  and  all  other  matters  of  interest,  including 
memorial  notices  of  the  dead  during  the  war  and 
since — which  committee  shall  communicate  with  the 
Historian,  in  order  to  aid  him  in  preparing  his  history 
of  the  Regiment. 

The  committee  further  recommend  that  the  follow- 
ing be  chosen  as  permanent  officers  of  the  Veterans  : 

Col.  Claiborne  Snead,  President. 

Col.  J.  S.  Reid,  First  Vice  President. 

Maj.  John  J.  Jones,  Second  Vice  President. 

Capt.  A.  A.  Winn,  Secretary. 

Lieut.  S.  J.  Bell,  Assistant  Secretary. 

Capt.  A.  Phillips,  Quartermaster. 


35 


"Commodore"  G.  N.  Dextef",  Assistant  Quartermas- 
ter. 

Capt.  Rnfus  K.  Reaves,  Commissary. 
Sergt.  W.  D.  Luckie,  Assistant  Commissary. 
Dr.  John  T.  Kilby,  Surgeon. 

Dr.  A.  C.  C.  Thompson  and  Dr.  W.  T.  Hollingsworth, 
Assistant  Surgeons. 

Rev.  J.  M.  Stokes,  Chaplain. 
Captain  C.  H.  Andrews,  Historian. 

On  motion  of  Priv.  A.  C.  McCalla,  of  the  Young 
Guards,  the  report  was  received,  and  on  motion  of 
Maj.  R.  L.  McWhorter,  of  the  Dawson  Grays,  it  was 
adopted  as  a  whole,  and  the  nominations  of  permanent 
officers  confirmed. 

Col.  Snead  formally  accepted  the  presidency  oi  the 
association,  and  on  taking  the  chair  introduced  Capt. 
D.  N.  Sanders,  of  the  Dawson  Grays,  who  delivered 
the  following  address  of  welcome  in  behalf  of  the 
Grays  and  the  citizens  of  Greene  County  : 

Felloiv- Soldiers  and  Friends — May  I  not  add  the  dearer 
word  brothers,  lor  together  we  have  received  the  fierce 
baptism  of  fire,  and  our  blood  has  mingled  on  a 
hundred  fields  of  battle?  As  a  substitute  for  my 
brother  ofllcer,  who  was  selected  to  meet  you  with 
words  of  gratulation  and  welcome  on  this  occasion,  I 
make  my  appearance  to-day,  for  the  first  time,  in  the 
role  of  orator.  While  my  words  of  greeting  may  not 
be  adorned  with  such  flowers  of  rhetoric,  or  fall  from 
my  lips  in  such  harmonious  accents  or  such  finished 
periods  as  from  his,  yet  they  will  come  from  a  heart 
as  full  of  joy  at  this  happy  meeting,  and  which  is 
as  true  to  the  ties  and  memories  of  the  past,  as  any 
that  beats  in  all  this  assembly. 

In  behalf  of  my  Company,  and  of  all  the  good  people 
of  Greene,  I  extend  to  you  a  most  hearty  welcome. 
We  rejoice  that  the  ball  set  in  motion  weeks  ago  by 
our  comrades  of  Company  D,  has  culminated  to-day 
in  this  happy  reunion  of  so  many  of  the  surviving 
members  of  the  noble  Third  Regiment. 

We  thank  you  for  having  designated  Union  Point — 
a  place  known  during  the  war  to  every  soldier  who 
passed  over  the  Georgia  Railroad  for  its*^  lavish  hospi- 
talities and  the  beautiful  ladies  who  dispensed  them— 


26 


as  the  point  of  meeting.  Their  doors  have  never  been 
closed  to  fair  women  or  brave  men,  and  to-day  they 
stand  wide  open  to  receive  you  as  welcome  and 
honored  guests.  Though  an  Augusta  soldier  has  long 
since  plucked  the  fairest  flower  that  then  adorned  her 
Soldiers'  Home,  to-day  she  has  many  fair  daughters 
lelt  to  perform  all  the  rites  of  hospitality. 

By  selecting  our  native  county  as  the  place  of  meeting 
you  have  not  only  given  us  the  pleasure  of  taking  you  by 
the  hand  as  comrades,  tried  and  true,  but  you  have  af- 
forded us  the  additional  happiness  of  presenting  you  to 
our  mothers,  our  wives  and  our  children,  and  saying  to 
them,  these  are  the  brave  men  who  stood  shoulder  to 
shoulder  with  us  through  four  years  of  unparalleled  hard- 
ships and  dangers — whose  unswerving  patriotism  and 
unflinching  valor  nerved  our  own  hearts  to  nobler  deeds 
of  daring — who  freely  divided  with  us  the  last  cup  of  water, 
the  last  crust  of  bread,  and  who  watched  over  and  sup- 
ported us,  when  sick  or  wounded,  with  all  a  father's 
strength,  a  mother's  tenderness. 

Third  Georgians !  After  a  separation  of  nine  years,  we 
meet  again  to  renew  the  ties  of  affection,  to  strengthen 
the  links  of  friendship,  formed  and  cemented  during  our 
unhappy  civil  strife.  We  meet  again,  to  revive  the  many 
pleasant  recollections  of  the  past,  to  extend  the  hand  of 
brotherhood  to  the  living,  and  to  let  fall  the  tear  of  sor- 
row and  affection  to  the  memory  of  the  dead. 

While  I  retrospect  the  past,  a  thousand  recollections 
crowd  upon  the  mind.  Thirteen  years  ago,  in  obedience 
to  the  call  of  the  sovereign  State  of  Georgia,  you,  her  gal- 
lant sons,  flew  to  arms,  and  marched  to  defend  the  soil  of 
the  noble  old  Commonwealth  of  Virginia  against  an  army 
of  invasion,  just  as  ninety-eight  3^ears  ago  the  sons  of 
Virginia  marched  to  defend  the  soil  of  Massachusetts. 

A  band  of  gallant  youths,  with  hearts  fired  with  patriot- 
ism and  filled  with  visions  of  militar}^  glory,  taking  a  hur- 
ried leave  of  home  and  friends,  you  hastened  to  Augusta 
to  organize  the  gallant  Third  E-egiment,  which  so  nobly 
illustrated  Georgia  on  the  battle  fields  of  Virginia,  Mary- 
land and  Pennsylvania.  There,  on  the  balmy  1st  of  May, 
1861,  you  met  together  for  the  first  time  to  pledge  fidelity 
to  Georgia  and  to  each  other. 

As  it  had  been  but  yesterday,  I  remember  my  own 
Spartan  mother,  as  she  approached  to  buckle  on  my  knap- 
sack and  bid  me  God-speed.  Presenting  me  a  Bible  with 
one  hand,  my  musket  with  the  other,  she  bade  me  be  true 


27 


to  God  and  the  land  of  my  birth  ;  to  go  forth  with  a 
mother's  blessing,  and  followed  by  a  mother  s  prayers,  to 
win  a  soldier's  laurels,  or  find  a  soldier's  grave. 

My  heart  yet  glows  with  happiness  as  I  recall  to  mind 
the  lovely  daughters  of  Augusta,  whose  slender  fingers 
plied  the  nimble  needle  in  stitching  our  uniforms,  while 
their  ruby  lips  distilled  honeyed  music  sweeter  than  a 
Syren's  voice. 

Oh,  how  our  youthful  hearts  swelled  with  thoughts  of 
high  ambition,  and  glowed  with  rapture,  as  they  pictured 
to  our  imagination  our  return  from  the  wars,  covered 
with  glory  and  fair  woman's  smiles.  Long  after  my 
uniform  had  gone  to  tatters,  and  been  numbered  with  the 
things  that  were,  visions  of  the  bright-eyed  girl  who  made 
it  still  lived  fresh  and  vivid  in  my  memory,  driving  away, 
on  the  long,  weary  march,  all  thoughts  of  blistered  feet 
and  empty  haversack ;  filling  my  dreams  with  pictures  of 
more  than  mortal  happiness,  and  making  the  hard  root 
upon  which  I  reclined  my  head  at  night  feel  softer  than 
downy  pillows  are.  Some  of  the  honey  distilled  from  her 
yirgin  lips,  as  she  kissed  me  for  my  sister,''  and  bade  me 
fight  as  her  knight,  still  lingers  around  my  mouth, 

God  bless  the  beautiful  girls  of  Georgia,  who  made  us 
feel  that  to  die  in  the  effort  to  win  their  approbation  was 
sweeter  than  to  live  for  all  else  beside.  While  I  live  I 
shall  always  love  them,  and  I  love  to  live  to  love  them. 

With  hearts  buoyant  with  youthful  hope,  confident  in 
the  justice  of  3'our  cause,  and  in  your  own  prowess,  you 
hurried  to  Virginia,  eager  for  the  fray.  Little  did  you  then 
imagine  that  the  dread  prophecy  of  the  Harpy  Celens : 

"Te/ames  accisis  coget  dajjibics  consumere  mensas,'' 

at  which  the  stout  knees  of  the  brave  Trojan  bands  smote 
together  with  fear  and  trembling,  would  be  more  than 
fulfilled  in  your  experience.  Even  the  dauntless  heart  of 
iEneas  quailed  before  the  prediction  that  ere  he  reached  a 
peaceful  haven  hunger  would  compel  him  to  consume  his 
half-eaten  trencher  with  his  meat;  but  often  you  found 
yourselves^  with  neither  trencher  nor  meat  to  satisfy  the 
fierce  cravings  of  your  hunger. 

During  a  long  and  trying  conflict  you  stood  shoulder  to 
shoulder  with  unwavering  devotion  to  the  flag  you  loved. 
Your  fortitude  knew  no  limit  of  endurance,  your  courage 
quailed  before  no  danger.  Opposed  to  a  powerful  and 
well  disciplined  army,  superior  in  numbers  and  in  all  the 
appliances  of  war,  you  ever  ofi'ered  a  dauntless  front  to 


28 


the  foe,  and  never  refused  the  gage  of  battle.  During 
those  four  years  of  doubtful  sanguinary  conflict — belong- 
ing to  an  army  rarely  equalled,  never  surpassed  in  the 
annals  of  history — you  ever  stood  the  bravest  of  the  brave, 
rarely  yielding  an  inch  of  ground  upon  which  your  feet  once 
had  pressed.  Always  readier  to  charge  upon  the  foe  than 
to  receive  their  onset,  you  never  once  were  the  last  to 
advance  or  the  first  to  retire.  Though  most  of  your  bodies 
are  pitted  with  bullet  marks,  you  hear  no  scars  tqjon  your 
hacks.  Never  was  a  grander  spectacle  presented  to  the 
world  than  you  offered  to  their  wondering  gaze  during  the 
last  sad  year  of  the  struggle.  With  decreasing  numbers, 
but  unabated  resolution,  you  opposed  your  breasts  as  a 
serried  wall  of  defense  against  the  great  army  that  was 
pressing  toward  the  Confederate  Capital.  Again  and 
again  did  you  decimate  their  ranks  in  desperate  conflict, 
only  to  see  them  refilled  the  next  day  with  fresh  recruits. 

But  in  vain  was  your  valor,  in  vain  the  libations  of 
blood  you  poured  out  like  water  in  defence  of  a  cause  that 
fate  had  decreed  should  perish. 

The  defences  around  Richmond  were  soon  to  be  aban- 
doned, because  the  brave  hearts  that  had  manned  them 
were  mouldering  beneath  the  sod. 

And  now  comes  the  saddest  and  grandest  page  of  your 
history — your  retreat  from  Richmond  to  Appomattox. 
With  despair  in  your  hearts  but  defiance  in  your  eyes,  jou 
still  rallied  around  your  flag  and  your  chieftain ;  and  left 
to  history  another  "  retreat  of  the  ten  thousand"  not  sur- 
passed in  heroism  by  the  retreat  of  the  Greeks  from 
Persia 

Fighting  jour  way  by  day,  scarcely  halting  for  an  hour's 
rest  by  night,  your  fortitude  and  heroism  shone  forth 
during  that  eventful  week  with  ever  increasing  luster. 
You  did  all  that  Avas  possible  for  human  endurance  and 
courage  to  achieve.  At  length,  exhausted  by  hunger  and 
fatigue,  your  weary  limbs  refused  to  move,  and  your  armfe 
fell  from  your  nerveless  grasp.  And  the  flag  which  you 
had  so  often  borne  to  victory — which  you  had  wreathed 
with  glory,  and  which  you  had  learned  to  love  with  a  de- 
votion equal  to  your  love  to  woman,  was  furled  forever. 
Ah !  life  had  in  store  no  bitterer  cup  than  was  then  pre- 
sented to  your  lips.  But  the  gloom  of  that  dark  day  on 
which  the  great  heart  of  our  honored  chieftain  was 
broken,  on  which  the  proud  form  of  Gordon  (the  noblest 
of  Georgia's  noble  sons),  which  had  never  shrunk  from 
mortal  danger,  was  bowed  in  anguish,  that  day  on  which 


29 


every  heart  was  filled  with  sorrow,  every  eye  was  dimmed 
with  tears,  is  relieved  by  the  magnanimity  displayed  by 
the  brave  army  in  blue.  Never  did  that  army  pay  you  a 
higher  compliment,  or  do  themselves  a  greater  honor,  than 
by  their  conduct  and  words  on  that  occasion.  From  the 
commander-in-chief  down  to  its  humblest  follower,  you 
received  words  and  acts  only  of  consideration  and  kind- 
ness. Not  a  word  of  boasting  or  of  insult  was  heard  from 
all  that  great  army. 

The  truly  brave  ever  must  and  will  honor  the  brave.  If 
the  adjustment  of  differences  at  the  close  of  the  war  had 
been  left  to  the  brave  men  who  had  faced  each  other  in 
battle,  the  gulf  of  separation  would  have  been  bridged 
over,  and  complete  harmony  restored  before  the  end  of  a 
single  year. 

Fellow-soldiers,  it  is  a  source  of  congratulation  to  us  all 
on  this,  our  first  Keunion,  that  our  State  has  recovered 
from  the  effects  of  war ;  that  our  waste  places  have  been 
re-built ;  that  our  State  government  is  well  administered- 
and  commands  the  respect  and  confidence  of  all  parties  ; 
that  our  laws  are  honestly  executed,  and  that  the  greatest 
harmony  exists  between  all  classes  of  our  peoj)le. 

I  rejoice  to  see  many  evidences  of  a  revival  of  the 
ancient  military  spirit  of  our  people,  without  which  no 
State  or  people  can  long  preserve  their  liberty.  Let  us 
revive  this  spirit  in  our  own  breasts  and  awaken  it  in  the 
breasts  of  our  children. 

While  deep  down  in  our  hearts  we  will  ever  cherish  the 
memory  of  the  banner  which  represented  our  loved  "  lost 
cause,"  let  us  re-adopt  the  grand  old  flag  of  the  Union. 
'Twas  the  loved  flag  of  our  father ;  let  it  also  be  ours. 
Our  grand  sires  made  it  glorious  by  their  valor,  and  con- 
secrated it  Avith  their  blood;  let  us,  their  children,  still 
claim  it  as  our  birthright,  and  defend  its  honor  as  oiu' 
own. 

Third  Georgians !  With  mingled  feelings  of  joy  and 
sorroAv  I  cast  my  eyes  along  your  ranks  for  the  first  time 
since  the  fatal  field  of  Gettysburg.  Left  wounded  on  the 
field,  I  was  carried  to  a  Northern  prison,  and  held  captive 
till  the  war  was  over.  From  that  day  I  was  prevented 
from  "sharing  with  you  your  hardships  and  dangers.  Like 
the  Hebrew  captive,  I  could  only  look  southward  from  my 
prison  window  at  morning,  noon  and  night,  and  pray  to 
the  God  of  battles  to  preserve  and  shield  you. 

I  see  before  me  the  familiar  faces  of  many  who  have 
endeared  themselves  to  me  by  the  possession  of  every 


80 

manly  grace,  every  soldierly  virtue.  As  my  eye  rests  upon 
their  noble  forms  a  thousand  incidents  of  camp  and  tield 
flit  through  my  mind,  and  my  heart  leaps  to  give  them  a 
joyful  welcome.  I  see  before  me  strange  faces,  to  whom 
I  shall  offer  the  hand  of  friendship  and  brotherhood  for 
the  first  time  to-day.  I  read  their  history  when  I  see  them 
in  your  ranks.  They  came  to  you  during  the  last,  trying 
years,  to  swell  your  depleted  numbers. 

Patriotic  and  brave,  they  desired  to  go  where  brave 
men  were  needed,  where  the  battle  shouts  rang  fiercest,  and 
where  gallant  blood  flowed  freest — in  the  ranks  of  Lee's 
infantry — and  they  came  to  you.  I  am  glad  to  see  them 
here,  and  with  all  my  heart  I  bid  them  welcome.  But  I 
look  in  vain  for  the  noble  forms  of  many  who  were  wont 
to  be  seen  in  the  front  rank  of  battle,  and  whose  shout  of 
defiance  or  of  triumph  I  have  often  heard  ring  load  and 
clear  above  the  muskets'  rattle. 

I  miss  the  tall  form  of  your  first  chieftain — the  brave 
and  noble  Wright — whose  clarion  voice  could  stir  ^-our 
hearts  to  deeds  of  wildest  daring.  I  miss  the  gallant 
Sturgis,  the  fiery  and  impetuous  Hays — than  whom  two 
truer  men  never  offered  up  their  lives  upon  their  country's 
altar.  I  miss  the  beautifu]  and  boyish  form  of  Perry,  the 
darling  of  the  Regiment,  whose  soul  was  always  waked 
to  ecstacy  by  the  cannon's  roar,  and  for  whom  the  hum- 
ming of  iDullets  made  music  sweeter  than  the  songs  of 
birds. 

The  commanding  form  and  eagle  eye  of  Armstrong;  the 
manly  grace  and  open  coutenance  of  McWhorter;  the 
the  young  and  gifted  Hilly er,  uniting  in  his  person  a 
woman's  tenderness,  a  Hampton's  chivalry  and  a  sage's 
lore,  have  all  gone  from  your  midst  forever. 

The  courtly  Luckie  and  the  gallant  McCrea  are  no 
longer  seen  at  the  head  of  their  companies. 

The  chivalrous  Dennis  fell  by  my  side  on  the  glorious 
field  of  Manassas,  and  died  as  he  had  lived — without  fear 
and  without  reproach.  But  the  day  would  not  sufiice  to 
repeat  the  names  and  recount  the  virtues  of  our  comrades 
who  to-day  fill  a  soldier's  honored  grave. 

In  the  IdIooui  of  youth,  with  every  pulse  beating  high, 
with  health  and  hope,  they  have  offered  up  their  young 
lives,  a  rich  sacrifice  upon  the  altar  of  patriotism ;  but 
have  they  died  too  soon  who  died  so  well?  To-day  they 
sleep  beneath  the  sod — unknelled,  unconfined,  but  not 
nnsumj.  When  the  granite  shaft  above  their  graves  shall 
have  crumbled  into  dust,  their  names  and  deeds  will  still. 


31 


live  in  song  and  in  story,  and  fair  women  will  bedew  their 
memory  with  tears  and  strew  their  graves  with  flowers. 
"  Dulce  et  decorum  est,  i)ro  patria  mori." 

Let  us,  my  comrades,  who  survive,  cherish  their  memo- 
ries and  emulate  their  virtues.  As  the  Angel  of  Death 
shall  sound  the  recall  from  the  battle  of  life  for  one  and 
another,  and  our  circle  ever  narrows  from  year  to  year, 
may  the  survivors  be  drawn  into  closer  and  closer  bonds 
of  union. 

Let  it  ever  be  the  proudest  boast  of  your  lives  that  wdiile 
some  of  Georgia's  sons — deaf  to  the  calls  of  patriotism — 
sought  only  how  to  fill  their  cofl'ers,  and  loved  their  gold 
more  than  their  country's  weal — that  you  were  prompt  to 
offer  life  and  fortune  in  her  defense.  Wealth  may  vanish 
like  the  morning  dew,  but  a  rich  legacy  of  glory  and  honor 
is  reserved  to  your  children  forever. 

"  For  gold  the  merchaut  plows  the  main, 

The  farmer  plows  the  manor  ; 
But  glory  is  the  soldier's  prize, 

The  soldier's  wealth,  his  honor." 

On  behalf  of  the  Kegiment,  Sergt.  William  D.  Luckie, 
of  the  Athens  Guards,  (now  Capt.  of  the  Governor's 
Guards,  of  Atlanta),  responded  as  follows : 

Comrades — I  came  not  here  to-day  to  make  a  speech. 
I  simply  came  to  grasp  in  friendly  and  fi-aternal  greeting 
the  hands  of  my  old  companions  in  arms.  I  rise  before 
you  laboring  under  great  embarrassment,  for  I  remember 
that  I  take  the  place  of  one  upon  whose  shoulders  lies 
gracefully  folded  the  mantle  of  eloquence,  and  whose  fame 
and  whose  name  for  oratory  have  spread  throughout 
Georgia's  wide  domain.  Gallant  sir,  would  that  just  for 
to-da}^  I  were  possessed  with  a  silver  tongue,  so  that  I 
might,  in  behalf  of  the  survivors  of  the  Third  Georgia 
Eegiment,  express  to  you  in  fitting  terms  our  grateful, 
heartfelt  thanks  for  the  kind  and  generous  welcome  you 
have  so  beautifully  conveyed  to  us  on  the  part  of  the 
citizens  of  Greene  County. 

.  Comrades,  when  I  look  around  and  about  me  upon  your 
familiar  faces  my  heart  swells  with  joy  and  gratitude  that 
I  have  been  enabled  to  mingle  with  you  this  da3^  But 
when  I  remember  Fredericksburg  and  Chancellorsville, 
Gettysburg  and  Sharpsburg,  the  Wilderness  and  Spott- 
sylvania,  Petersburg  and  the  Crater  of  Hell ;  when  I 
remember  that  terrible  retreat  and  Appomattox,  my  heart 
could  weep  tears  of  blood  for  those  gallant  spirits  who  so 
freely  gave  their  lives  to  the  cause  we  loved  so  well. 


32 


Comrades,  where  are  they  to-day  ?  Go  toward  the  sunrise ; 
go  to  where  Lee,  our  grand  old  hero,  swept  with  his 
yictorious  banners  across  the  valleys  and  over  the  moun- 
tains of  Virginia ;  go  to  any  and  all  of  her  fields  made 
memorable  by  their  baptism  of  fire  and  blood,  and  there 
you  will  find  the  mouldering  bones  of  our  brothers  and 
comrades.  And  shall  they  have  died  in  vain?  Shall  the 
principles  for  which  they  died  be  forever  trampled  in  the 
dust  ?  I  tell  you  no.  So  sure  as  there  is  a  God  above  us, 
so  sure  will  they  some  time  be  vindicated.  They  were 
true  and  right,  and  they  must  triumph. 

It  may  be  that  the  burning  fiery  eloquence  of  Southern 
statesmen  may  prevail  and  lift  them  on  high,  or  it  may  be 
— but  we  all  love  peace  and  detest  war,  and  our  prayer  is 
that  the  white  robed  angel  may  forever  brood  over  our 
land.  But  I  feel  assured  if  the  time  should  ever  come  the 
Third  Georgia  Regiment  will  in  the  future  as  she  has  in 
the  past,  carve  high  in  glory's  temple  an  immortal  name. 

Comrades,  ere  another  twelve  months  roll  around  some 
of  us  may  have  '-passed  over  the  river"  and  be  resting 
"under  the  shade  of  the  trees"  with  those  immortal 
heroes  who  have  gone  before.  Let  us,  therefore,  so  order 
our  lives  that  when  the  last  battle  of  life  has  been  fought, 
when  from  the  gloomy  walls  of  the  grave  we  have  snatched 
and  clothed  ourselves  in  the  robes  of  victory,  when  we 
have  plucked  the  envenomed  sting  from  the  insatiable 
monster,  when  we  have  passed  through  the  dark  valley  and 
across  the  murky  waters,  standing  in  the  presence  of  our 
last  great  Judge,  we  may  receive  from  the  lips  of  Him, 
who  spake  as  never  man  spake,  the  same  salutation  with 
which  Georgia's  sons  and  daughters  greet  us  this  day — 
"well  done." 

An  intermission  of  a  half  hour  was  given,  and  Gardner's 
Band  discoursed  some  stirring  strains. 

At  11  A.  M.,  the  veterans  re-assembled,  and  CoV 
Claiborne  Snead  made  the  following  historical  address : 

HISTORY  or  THE  THIRD  GEORGIA  REGIMENT,  AND  THE  CAREER 
OF  ITS  FIRST  COMMANDER,  GEN.  AMBROSE  R.  WRIGHT. 

My  Comrades — Centuries  ago  a  great  explorer  crossed 
an  unknow  sea,  and  traversed  the  hills  and  glens  of  a 
hitherto  unexplored  country.  Ascending  the  tallest  peak 
of  the  isthmus  that  connects  the  North  with  the  South 
American  Continent,  the  calm  blue  waters  of  the  Pacific 


33 


burst  upon  his  view,  when,  beckoning  his  companions  to 
come  and  see  what  he  had  seen,  he  joyfully  pointed  to 
a  new  ocean  dazzling  in  the  sunlight  of  heaven.  We  are 
all  explorers  in  this  mundane  sphere,  passing  over  moun- 
tains and  hills,  through  vales,  dow]i  rivers,  on  and  ever  on 
to  the  great  ocean  of  eternity.  And  while  pausing  this 
day  in  contemplation  of  a  grand  discovery — the  glorious 
spectacle  of  the  reunion  of  my  comrades  of  the  Third  Geor- 
gia Regiment — I  would  that  my  voice  could  reach  every 
veteran  of  the  old  Confederacy,  aye,  I  would  that  it  might 
ride  on  the  wings  of  the  wind  and  penetrate  the  confines  of 
earth  itself,  and  I  would  appeal  to  all  mankind  to  come 
and  see  what  I  have  seen  and  feel  what  I  have  felt. 

Nine  years  ago  that  flag  upon  which  the  starry  cross  is 
now  scarcely  discernable  ceased  to  wave  over  us.  Dark- 
ened by  smoke  and  torn  by  shot  and  shell,  carried  in 
triumph  through  every  important  battle  of  the  historic 
Army  of  Northern  Virginia,  and  never  desecrated  by  the 
hands  of  an  enemy,  it  went  down  in  a  blaze  of  glory  at 
Appomattox.  Through  no  fault  of  ours  was  it  furled,  and 
sorrowfully  we  parted  for  our  homes,  satisfied  that  the  cause 
for  which  we  had  fought — the  cause  of  separate  indepen- 
dence— was  finally  overthrown.  We  indulged  in  no  mawk- 
ish grief,  no  unmanly  tears,  but  we  felt  a  deep,  agonizing 
sorrow  at  the  loss  of  the  dear  cause  for  which  we  had  strug- 
gled so  hard  and  so  long. 

We  believed  our  defeat  undeserved,  that  it  was  an  out- 
rage on  suffering  humanity,  a  crime  against  civilization,  a 
wrong  without  a  parallel — so  great  a  wrong  that  the  earth 
should  have  been  clothed  in  sackcloth  and  ashes  in  unison 
with  the  thunders  and  lightnings  of  heaven  that  knelled 
sympathizingly  on  that  day  on  the  demise  of  so  sacred  a 
cause.  Nine  years,  however,  have  passed  since  the  storm 
of  war  rolled  over  this  land,  leaving  sad  desolation  in  its 
track  and  many  lowering  clouds  behind.  Nine  long, 
wear}^  years  have  come  and  gone,  filled  with  suffering  and 
oppression,  full  of  sorrow  and  unjust  humiliation ;  and  to- 
day, standing  upon  the  soil  and  beneath  the  blue  skies  of 
our  own  loved  Georgia,  we  are  proud  to  recount  the  glo- 
rious history  of  the  old  organization  and  the  immortal 
career  of  our  first  commander,  Gen.  A.  R.  Wright. 

But  while  scanning  your  ranks  with  pride  and  pleasure, 
a  feeling  of  sadness  comes  over  me  to  which  I  must 
first  give  vent.  I  miss  some  of  the  brightest  jewels 
that  adorned  yoar  crown — some  of  the  choicest  spirits  that 
ever  went  upon  a  field  of  battle  in  this  or  anj*  other  age. 


84 

Where  are  they?  They  rest  upon  the  hist(3ric  fields  of 
their  heroic  fame.  They  have  ferried  over  the  dark  stream 
that  separates  time  from  eternity,  and  there,  upon  the 
opposite  bank,  the  gentle  Sturges,  the  generous  Walker, 
the  knightly  Hamilton,  the  cool  Hayes,  courtly  Luckie, 
and  a  host  of  others,  led  on  by  the  peerless  AVright,  who 
lately  joined  them,  pass  in  review.  To  us,  standing  on 
this  side  of  the  river,  they  point  to  a  career  wdiich,  like  the 
face  of  the  sun,  has  nothing  to  blemish  its  beauty— a  ca- 
reer that  displays  all  that  is  noble  and  chivalric  in  man — 
a  career  so  bright  in  their  blood  as  to  dazzle  even  the  stars 
in  brilliancy.  Though  their  brave  hearts  beat  no  more, 
though  their  lips  are  forever  closed,  there  comes  wafted 
thence,  sweet  and  sad  as  the  murmur  of  falling  waters 
amid  flowery  groves  at  eventide,  a  silent  yet  thrilling  ap- 
peal to  guard  and  perpetuate  their  memories.  It  is  an 
appeal  that  reaches  the  heart  and  touches  a  responsive 
f-hoid  iii  the  bo.  i)m  of  every  true  son  of  Georgia.  And  T 
would  that  I  possessed  all  the  ability  necessary  to  a 
proper  response  thereto  ;  I  wish  that  for  a  moment  I  pos- 
sessed the  golden  chain  of  Mercury — the  fabled  god  of 
Eloquence — that  I  might  tell  what  mortal  heart  feels,  but 
what  mortal  tongue  cannot  adequately  express.  But  this 
response  can  here  be  made  :  They  have  left  their  impress 
so  indellibly  stamped  on  the  sands  of  time  that  the  tramp 
of  succeeding  ages  can  never  obliterate.  Though  the  his- 
torian may  not  properly  record,  and  the  muses  may  fail  to 
weave  in  poesy  and  song,  all  their  glorious  deeds,  yet 
the  waters  of  our  near  Oconee,  which  pass  through  the 
centre  of  that  State  they  loved  so  fondly,  and  for  which 
they  died  so  nobly,  ceasing  to  flow^  tow'ards  old  ocean,  may 
turn  its  course  back  to  the  mountains ;  the  ocean  itself  in 
the  circles  of  time  may  cease  its  rockings  and  its  throb- 
bings ;  but  this  generation  and  generations  to  come  will 
never  cease  to  remember  their  matchless  valor. 

In  the  early  part  of  May,  1861,  the  following  companies, 
constituting  this  regiment,  assembled  it  the  navy  yard  at 
Portsmouth  for  the  purpose  of  organization  :  The  Con- 
federate Light  Guards,  commanded  by  Capt.  E.  J.  Walker  ; 
the  Wilkinson  Rifles,  by  Capt.  W.  A,  Bealle ;  the  Brow'n 
Bifles,  by  Capt.  E.  B.  Nisbet ;  the  Athens  Guards,  by  Capt. 
H.  C.  Billups  ;  the  Young  Guards,  by  Capt.  A.  H.  Lee  ;  the 
Home  Guards,  l)y  Capt.  J.  S.  Reid ;  the  Dawson  Greys, 
by  Capt.  R.  L.  McAVhorter ;  the  Governor's  Guards,  by 
Capt.  J.  R.  Griffin ;  the  Burke  Guards,  by  Capt.  W.  C. 
Musgrove,  and  the  Blodgett  Volunteers,  by  Capt.  Foster 
Blodgett. 


The  election  resulted  in  the  choice  of  Ambrose  li, 
Wright,  foi"  Colonel ;  James  S.  Reid,  Lieutenant-Colonel, 
and  Augustus  H.  Lee,  Major.  W.  AY.  Turner  was  selected 
as  Adjutant. 

C.  H.  Andrews  was  elected  Captain  of  the  Home  Guards, 
vice  Capt.  Reid,  promoted  ;  and  John  F.  Jones,  Captain  of 
the  Young  Guards,  vice  Capt  Lee,  promoted. 

Li  a  short  time  the  Blodgett  Volunteers  were  transferred 
from  the  regiment  and  the  Clark  County  Rifles,  com- 
manded by  Capt.  Herndon,  substituted  in  their  place. 

As  thus  constituted  this  was  the  first  organized  regiment 
of  Georgians  that  stood  upon  the  soil  of  Virginia  to  hurl 
back  the  threatened  invasion  of  that  noble  old  Common- 
wealth. They  arrived  upon  the  banks  of  ilia  beautiful 
Elizabeth  river  before  the  secession  of  the  State,  and 
organized  amid  the  smouldering  fires  and  crumbling  walls 
of  Gosport  Navy  Yard.  They  were  no  bar  d  of  adventu- 
rers, ilicy  wuro  neither  soldiers  of  fortune  nor  of  pleasure, 
but  the  very  tiower  of  our  youth,  at  the  bidding  of  whose 
State  they  enlisted  and  cheerily  Avent  forth  to  meet  the 
shock  of  battle,  carrying  with  them  their  great  hearts, 
every  impulse  of  the  soul  and  all  the  energies  of  their 
nature. 

A  few  months  thereafter  the  regiment,  under  the  com- 
mand of  the  lamented  Wright,  was  sent  up  the  Elizabeth 
river,  and  through  the  canal  connecting  the  river  with 
Albemarle  sound,  to  reinforce  Fort  Hatteras,  that  was 
besieged  by  sea  and  by  land.  AVliile  in  transif  n,  and  when 
only  four  companies  had  arrived  in  Pamlico  sound,  the 
unwelcome  tidings  were  received  of  the  fall  of  the  fort  to 
which  they  were  proceeding  as  a  reinforcement.  Hence 
they  landed  on  Roanake  Island,  which,  in  a  narrow  strait 
between  Pamlico  and  Albemarle  sounds,  guards  the  en- 
trance to  the  latter,  through  which  Norfolk  and  the  whole 
of  Northeastern  North  Carolina  can  be  assailed.  Here 
one  day  after  the  surrender  of  Fort  Hatteras,  and  within 
two  hours'  sail  of  the  eneni}^,  solitary  and  unaided  they 
planted  the  Confederate  flag,  and  worked  continuously  for 
months — Avorking  by  day,  and  the  moon  shining  on  or  the 
darkness  of  night  still  enveloping  them  at  work — building 
entrenchments  and  batteries  at  this  and  adjacent  points 
for  the  protection  of  the  inland  coast  of  North  Carolina. 

On  the  1st  day  of  October,  1861,  receiving  information 
that  a  Federal  steamer  had  been  seen  just  south  of  the 
Ishmd,  Col.  Wright  at  once  determined  to  intercept  and 
capture  her ;  displaying  at  the  very  commencement  that 


36 


acuteuess  of  foretliouglit,  wisdom  in  contriving  and  de- 
cision in  acting,  wliicli  rendered  his  subsequent  career  so 
brilliant.  He  improvised  three  small  steamers,  placed 
guns  upon  them  and  crews  from  the  regiment  to  work  them, 
took  with  him  three  companies  armed  with  Enfield  rifles — 
the  Dawson  Greys,  the  Governor's  Guards  and  the  Athens 
Guards — and  with  this  force  moved  down  the  sound  to 
attack  the  eneni}'.  In  less  than  two  hours  the  object  of 
the  cruise  was  plainly  seen  ;  and  when  within  range  a  brisk 
fire  was  opened,  which  was  promptly  responded  to.  Ad- 
vancing rapidly,  with  the  intention  of  grappling  and 
boarding  the  foe  that  exhibited  so  much  spirit  in  her 
responsive  fire,  wdien  immediately  her  colors  were  struck, 
and  then  up  to  the  mast-head  went  the  Confederate  flag 
amid  deafening  shouts  of  the  victors.  A  crew  of  forty-nine 
men  were  captured,  besides  army  stores  including  one 
thousand  nevr  overcoats,  with  which  you  decked  yourselves 
on  your  triumphant  return  to  Portsmouth.  This  was  the 
first  naval  success  in  North  Carolina,  the  first  capture 
made  by  our  arms  of  an  armed  vessel ;  and  more  than  all, 
it  was  a  naval  victory  achieved  by  infantry  marines. 

By  the  capture  of  this  steamer,  Fannie,  it  was  ascer- 
tained that  the  enemy  had  established  a  camp  at  Chica- 
macomico,  on  Hatteras  Island,  fort}^  miles  from  Fort 
Hatteras,  and  near  the  southern  extremity  of  Hoanoke 
Island.  The  T^^entieth  Indiana  regiment  had  there  gone 
into  camp,  whither  the  Fannie,  when  captured,  was  proceed- 
ing with  commissary  and  quartermaster  supplies ;  and  it 
was  e^ddent  the  enemj^  intended  the  new  position  as  a  base 
of  operations  against  Roanoke  Island. 

Col.  Wright  seeing  a  crisis  at  hand,  and  appreciating 
the  danger  of  being  isolated  and  attacked  at  a  disadvan- 
tage, promptly  determined  to  move  forward  and  strike  the 
first  blow.  Passing  with  his  regiment  down  Pamlico  sound, 
he  arrived  ofl'  Chicamacomico  and  about  three  miles 
therefrom,  on  the  6tli  day  of  October.  Nearer  to  the  shore 
they  could  not  get  because  of  the  deep  draft  of  the  vessels, 
except  the  Cotton  Plant,  upon  which  Col.  Wright,  with 
three  companies  and  two  howitzers,  commanded  by  Lieut. 
Sturges,  proceeded  two  miles  nearer,  and  then  leaping  out 
in  the  water  advanced,  wading  a  portion  of  the  way  up  to 
their  waists,  and  opening  fire  upon  the  enemy  who  stood 
in  line  of  battle  upon  the  beach  twelve  hundred  strong, 
according  to  their  muster  roll.  They  retreated  hastily  and 
in  great  disorder  in  the  direction  of  Fort  Hatteras. 

The  most  of  our  regiment  effected  a  landing  in  the  same 


37 


way  as  the  three  preceeding  companies,  when  there  com- 
menced a  chase  which  has  been  properly  styled  the 
Chicamacomico  races — the  enemy  running  pell-mell  for 
twenty  miles,  and  pursued  with  a  loss  to  them  of  eight 
killed  and  forty-two  captured.  At  one  time  Col.  Wright, 
being  in  advance  of  the  command,  overtook  the  rear  guard, 
who  fired  upon  him,  bringing  down  his  horse ;  but  with 
one  hand  seizing  a  small  drummer  boy  that  he  held  in 
front  as  a  shield,  and  with  pitsol  in  the  other  hand,  he  ad- 
vanced, capturing  the  Sergeant-Major  and  four  others  of 
his  regiment.  The  daring  and  skill  displayed  by  Col. 
Wright  throughout  the  whole  affair  won  the  implicit  confi- 
dence of  his  men,  which  he  retained  during  the  entire  w^ar. 

This  brilliant  victory,  achieved  with  the  loss  of  one  man, 
established  at  once  the  character  of  the  regiment,  and  at 
the  same  time  exploded  the  fallacious  idea  that  the  Wes- 
tern were  superior  to  the  Northern  men  of  the  Federal 
army.  The  truth  is,  there  was  no  real  difference  between 
them,  nor  between  them  and  us,  except  our  personel  as  a 
body  was  somewhat  better.  We  were  one  people,  anima- 
ted by  the  spirit  of  liberty  and  fighting  for  separate 
independence,  possessing  the  dash,  impetuosity  and  mercu- 
rial temperament  peculiar  to  all  Southerners  of  the  Cau- 
cassian  race.  They  had  the  coolness,  steadiness  and 
preservance  common  to  all  Northern  climes,  and  inspired 
with  the  cry  of  the  old  flag  and  the  Union,  were  fighting 
for  our  subjugation,  and  made  drafts  upon  Europe,  Asia 
and  Africa  to  accomplish  the  result.  That  was  all  the 
difference.  Major  General  Huger,  the  department  com- 
mander, appreciating  the  self-sacrificing  devotion  and 
arduous  labors  of  men  hitherto  little  accustomed  to 
manual  work,  and  with  all  the  signal  gallantry — approach- 
ing moral  sublimity — lately  displayed  at  Chicamacomico 
and  in  the  capture  of  the  steamer  Fannie,  ordered  them 
*  back  to  Portsmouth,  which  they  entered,  welcomed  by 

waving  handkerchiefs,  by  martial  strains  and  by  roaring 
cannon.  Rome,  in  her  palmiest  days,  never  gave  her  con- 
quering legions  a  grander  triumph  than  was  awarded  the 
Third  Georgia  Regiment  on  that  day  by  the  sons  and 
daughters  of  Virginia. 

After  the  departure  of  the  Third  Georgia  Regiment, 
Roanoke  Island  fell  a  prey  to  Burnside,  who  attacked  it 
with  overwhelming  land  and  naval  forces  ;  and  thus  the 
whole  of  Northeastern  North  Carolina,  and  even  Ports- 
mouth by  way  of  Dismal  Swamp  Canal,  was  thrown  open 
to  the  attacks  of  the  enemy.     Hence  this  regiment  was 


38 


Sent  to  the  head  of  the  canal,  and  was  scattered  in  compa- 
nies from  EHzabeth  river  to  South  Mills,  to  watch  and 
resist  any  invasion  that  might  be  made.  Your  commander 
here  engaged  in  an  expedition  which  more  than  any  feat 
of  arms  attested  his  devotion  to  country  and  his  willingness 
to  die  if  need  be  an  ignominious  death  in  her  service.  A 
large  force  of  the  enemy  occupied  Elizabeth  City,  and  it 
was  of  the  utmost  importance  to  ascertain  their  numbers 
and  intentions.  In  the  emergency,  Col.  Wright,  accom- 
panied by  Maj.  Lee,  went  forth  to  perform  the  dangerous 
duty.  Eluding  the  enemy's  picket,  they  entered  the  city 
disguised  as  citizens,  where  they  remained  for  several 
hours  conversing  vrith  Federal  soldiers,  fi'om  whom  the 
desired  information  was  obtained.  In  the  silent  vigils  of 
the  night  they  made  their  way  out  of  the  lines,  and  at  once 
prepared  to  anticipate  the  coming  storm,  destined  in  a  few 
days  to  culminate  in  a  glorious  victory  to  our  arms  at 
Sawyer's  Lane. 

It  will  be  borne  in  mind  that  Pasquotank  river  is  at  the 
head  of  Dismal  Swamp  Canal,  and  runs  into  Albemarle 
sound  at  Elizabeth  Cit}'.  The  Third  Georgia  Regiment, 
with  a  battery  of  Western  Virginians,  under  the  command 
of  Capt.  McComas,  were  on  the  southern  side  of  the  river, 
scattered,  as  I  said  before,  at  a  distance  of  fourteen  miles. 
The  enemy,  shelling  Elizabeth  City  and  the  banks  on  the 
southern  side  as  a  feint,  moved  up  the  river  in  transports, 
landing  a  brigade  of  six  regiments  and  a  battery,  under 
command  of  Gen.  Reno,  on  the  northern  side,  near  Cam- 
den Court  House,  on  the  19th  of  April,  1862,  with  the  in- 
tention of  coming  up  to  and  crossing  at  South  Mills — thus 
to  cut  us  entirely  off,  for  there  is  no  other  outlet  through 
Dismal  Swamp. 

But  Col.  Wright,  no  way  disconcerted,  with  the  battery 
of  artillery,  supported  by  the  Dawson  Greys,  the  Home 
Guards,  the  Brown  Rifles  and  Burke  Guards,  boldly  ad- 
vanced out  two  miles  from  South  Mills  to  meet  the  foe. 
With  the  military  perceptions  of  a  true  soldier,  he  selected 
for  the  battle  field  Sawyer's  lane,  which  runs  perpendicu- 
lar to  the  Camden  Court  House  road,  up  which  the  enemy 
were  advancing,  dense  woods  being  in  the  rear  and  with 
open  fields  in  front.  And  so  that  the  enemy  might  have 
no  protection  in  their  advance,  some  houses  were  burned 
in  front,  and  fences,  after  being  torn  down,  were  thrown 
into  ditches,  running  parallel  to  our  lines,  and  fired. 
Sending  hurriedly  Major  Lee  for  the  Young  Guards  and 
Athens  Guards  that  were  left  to  burn  Pasquotank  bridge, 


39 


and  for  the  other  companies  that  had  to  march  several 
miles  to  reach  the  field,  calmly  he  went  before  that  small 
band,  and  disguising  nothing,  truthfully  told  them  of  the 
numbers  of  the  enemy  and  the  dangers  which  environed 
them.  There  he  stood  like  a  god  of  Avar,  inspiring  them 
with  his  own  intrepid  spirit  and  unflinching  courage,  as 
his  voice  rang  out  along  the  line  clear  as  the  notes  of  a 
bugle  :  Though  you  may  fight  ten  times  your  number, 
nothing  is  impossible  with  men  like  you  determined  to 
conquer  or  die." 

At  mid-day  the  enemy  made  their  appearance,  marching 
by  the  flank  in  files  of  four  at  a  route  step,  when  Capt.  Mc- 
Comas  opened  with  his  artillery,  firing  richochet  shots 
down  the  road.  Immediately  deploying  into  line,  they 
moved  forward  in  columns  of  regiments  to  take  the  bat- 
tery. First  one  regiment  and  then  another  was  put  for- 
ward, until  three  separate  and  distinct  charges  were  made, 
and  as  many  times  were  they  driven  back  in  great  con- 
fusion. Finally,  the  last  charge  w^as  being  made  by  the 
Hawkins  Zouave  Regiment  of  New  York.  Dressed  in  crim- 
son uniforms,  they  steadily  moved  on  in  splendid  order, 
with  heads  erect,  carrying  their  arms  at  a  trail  and  firing 
not  a  gun.  They  come  within  one  hundred  yards  of  the 
battery,  which  seems  to  be  lost. 

Weil  do  I  remember  that  memorable  moment  as  the  gal  - 
lant  Lieut.  Col.  Reid  directed  the  company  I  had  the  honor 
to  command  (the  Confederate  Light  Guards)  to  their  posi- 
tion, who  in  fact  led  all  the  rest  of  the  reserves  to  their 
posts.  Just  before  reaching  the  lines  the  pulseless  form* 
of  the  chivalric  McComas  met  our  gaze  as  it  w^as  being- 
carried  off  the  field,  and  the  agonizing  cry  of  his  men 
pierced  our  ears,  "  Boys,  save  our  battery,"  as  they  were 
trying  to  limber  up  the  guns  to  prevent  capture.  Colonel 
Wright,  in  his  shirt  sleeves,  throwing  up  his  cap  high  away 
in  the  air,  cried  out,  "  Hurrah  boys,  give  them  — — ." 

Gathering  strength  for  one  supreme  effort,  this  regiment 
heroically  hurled  back  an  entire  brigade,  killing  and 
w^ounding  over  one  hundrad.  Our  loss  was  twelve  w^ound- 
ed  and  five  killed — the  latter  I  here  record,  for  their 
names  deserve  to  be  written  in  letters  of  gold :  Private 
Mallory,  of  the  Burke  Guards ;  Private  Low-rey,  of  the 
Clark  County  Kifles ;  and  Privates  May  and  Widener,  of 
the  Confederate  Light  Guards ;  and  Private  Deas,  of  the 
Wilkinson  Rifles. 

These  brave  comrades  fell  upon  a  battle  field  where  vic- 
tory perched  upon  our  banner,  notwithstanding  the  most 


40 


fearful  odds  and  under  the  most  galling  lire.  In  pro- 
portion to  the  numbers  and  personel  respectively  en- 
gaged on  each  side,  it  is  unsurpassed  by  any  engage- 
ment of  the  war.  It  is  unexcelled  hj  any  of  the  con- 
flicts of  man  ranging  back  even  to  the  morning  of  time. 

The  regiment  again  reorganized  by  the  election  of 
the  follov^^ing  commanding  officers  of  companies  :  Con- 
federate Light  Guards,  Captain  Walker ;  Wilkinson 
Rifles,  Captain  Waters ;  Carswell  Guards,  Captain 
Cars  well ;  Brown  Rifles,  Captain  N  isbet ;  Athens 
Guards,  Captain  Billups ;  Young  Guards,  Captain 
Jones ;  Home  Guards,  Captain  Andrews  ;  Dawson 
Grays,  Captain  Grier ;  Governor' s  Guards,  Captain 
Hamilton  ;  Burke  Guards,  Captain  Corker  ;  and  the 
Clarke  County  Rifles,  Captain  McCrea.  Ambrose  R. 
Wright  was  elected  Colonel ;  James  S.  Reid,  Lieuten- 
ant Colonel,  and  John  R.  Sturges,  Major. 

Many  changes  and  mutations  in  rank  subsequently 
occurred  from  disease  and  from  death  and  wounds  in 
battle  ;  line  officers  being  promoted  to  field  offices, 
and  privates  rising  to  the  rank  of  Lieutenants,  Cap- 
tains and  to  the  position  of  Adjutant  of  the  regiment. 
Heretofore  I  have  given  a  detailed  history  of  its  oper- 
ations while  an  independent  command  in  the  Depart- 
ment of  Norfolk;  but  now  I  shall  be  more  general,  for 
upon  the  evacuation  of  that  department  our  command- 
eer was  soon  promoted  to  a  Brigadier  General,  and  we 
became  a  part  of  Wright' s  celebrated  brigade,  merging 
our  individuality  into  that  of  the  grand  army  of  the 
sainted  Lee.  Your  fame  henceforth  became  .theirs, 
and  their  glory  yours.  You  gained  still  greater  re- 
nown by  your  gallantry,  as  well  as  by  the  increased 
lustre  reflected  from  the  union  of  the  whole  patriot 
band,  which  from  that  time  till  the  end  was  like  the 
waters  of  the  great  ocean — but  one. 

Passing  over  the  fight  at  Frazier' s  Farm,  in  front  of 
Richmond — where  you  drove  back  for  more  than  a 
mile  the  IGtli  Massachusetts  Regiment,  killing  eighteen 
and  capturing  a  score  or  more,  mourning  yourselves 
the  loss  of  five,  I  come  to  a  general  engagement,  the 
first  in  which  you  participated,  but  one  that  severely 
tried  the  souls  of  all. 

The  division  to  which  w^e  were  attached  (Huger's), 
after  marching  and  countermarching  on  the  Williams- 
burg and  Charles  City  roads,  and  vice  versa,  number- 


41 


less  times  for  one  day,  and  on  the  next  going  through 
the  same  provoking  and  bootless  task  in  the  jungles  of 
White  Oak  swamp,  thus  letting  McClellan  slip  through 
the  net  work  contrived  by  the  genius  of  Lee  for  his 
capture,  on  the  afternoon  of  the  third  day— the  mem- 
orable 1st  of  July,  1862 — you  reached  the  deep  and 
woody  ravine  at  the  foot  of  Malvern  Hill.  The  winds 
moving  to  and  fro  these  giant  oaks  were  soon  destined 
to  whisper  sad  requiems  to  departed  heroes,  while  the 
rippling  rivulet,  meandering  therethrough,  was  to 
change  color  as  it  commingled  its  waters  with  some  of 
the  best  blood  of  Georgia.  Except  Holmes'  division, 
in  isolated  woods  two  miles  and  a  half  oif,  Wright's 
brigade  was  on  the  extreme  right  of  the  army,  and  for 
some  reason  unexplained  found  itself  subject  to  the 
orders  of  Maj.  Gen.  Magruder,  who  immediately  gave 
the  order — "Charge!"  Not  a  single  gun  up  to  this 
moment  had  been  fired  on  either  side.  To  this  order 
Gen.  Wright  protested  that  it  meant  simply  destruc- 
tion, for  it  was  not  within  the  power  of  man  with  his 
little  brigade  to  stand  much  less  to  assail  to  any  ad- 
vantage the  infantry  and  artillery  of  McClellan  on  the 
heights  beyond,  which  he  had  reconnoitered.  But  no, 
the  order  must  be  obeyed.  Up  the  hill  side  and 
through  the  intervening  trees  you  moved  to  the  open 
space — a  wide  clover  plain  with  no  risings  or  undula- 
tions as  far  as  the  eye  could  discern,  and  dotted  with 
neither  tree  nor  shrub — running  up  to  the  crest  of  the 
hill  studdied  over  with  fifty  pieces  of  artillery,  when 
immediately  a  lurid  flame  burst  forth,  causing  the  very 
earth  to  tremble  beneath  your  feet,  and  knelling  the 
departure  of  souls  for  eternity. 

Though  the  order  must  be  obeyed,  yet  General 
Wright,  seeing  that  it  was  impossible  to  pursue  it  lit- 
erally in  that  direction,  ordered  the  brigade  back  to  the 
woods,  where  amid  bursting  shell  and  tailing  trees  he 
filed  to  the  right  for  some  distance,  coming  out  again 
into  the  open  plain  in  a  hollow,  unobserved,  and  three 
hundred  yards  nearer  the  enemy. 

The  command  being  again  given  to  charge,  your 
commander,  Maj.  Sturges,  remarked  to  a  captain:  "I 
have  a  presentiment  that  I  shall  not  survive  this  charge, 
but  I  am  willing  to  die  for  my  country."  The  accom- 
plished Hamilton,  conversing  with  me,  said  :  ' '  This  is 
murder,  but  nevertheless  I  will  stand  it,"  at  the  same 
time  buttoning  up  his  coat  and  putting  on  his  gloves 


42 


as  if  to  prepare  for  interment.  At  the  very  com- 
mencement of  the  charge  the  former  fell  pierced 
thi'ough  tlie  brain,  while  the  latter,  fearlessly  entering 
the  fiery  ordeal,  was  consumed  by  it.  Closing  up  the 
gaps  as  fast  as  they  were  made  you  still  moved  on, 
nearing  the  guns  of  the  enemy,  when  they  limbered 
up  and  then  suddenly  there  arose  out  of  a  hollow  in 
front  a  long  line  of  infantry  that  poured  in  a  destruc- 
tive lire.  There  the  conflict  raged  for  a  full  half  hour, 
when  finally  they  w^ere  rolled  back  and  you  occupied 
the  ground  from  which  they  were  driven.  About  this 
time,  far  on  our  left,  Cobb' s  brigade,  Toomb' s  brigade 
and  brigade  after  brigade  w^ere  se^n  deploying  into 
line,  and  the  firing  became  general  along  the  front  of 
McClellan's  position.  The  sun  went  down  and  the 
moon  rose  upon  you  in  possession  of  the  field  you  had 
so  gallantly  won,  every  other  brigade  except  Mahone's 
having  retired  to  some  convenient  position  to  renew 
the  fight  next  morning.  Major- Gen eial  Magruder,  in 
an  official  letter  of  the  6th  of  July,  after  alluding  par- 
ticularly to  "the  military  skill  and  intrepidity"  of 
General  Wright,  says,  this  and  Mahone's  Brigade  "oc- 
cupied and  slept  upon  the  field  of  battle  which  was 
won  from  the  enemy."  But  more  than  the  testimony 
of  one  man  or  a  dozen  commanders,  the  detailed  list  of 
casualties — 143  killed  and  wounded — made  out  by 
Adjutant  Walter  Perr}^,  speak  in  thunder  tones  of  the 
of  the  gallantry  and  sacrifices  of  the  Third  Georgia  on 
that  eventful  day. 

In  less  than  two  months  you  w^ere  on  the  historic 
field  of  Manassas,  fighting  nearly  over  the  same  ground 
where  the  lamented  Bartow  fell  the  year  previous. 
Oh,  that  our  entire  people  had  been  animated  wdth  the 
unconquerable  spirit  of  the  noble  martyr  who  uttered 
the  parting  sentiment,  ' '  Never  give  it  up.  I  am 
dying.  I  look  over  this  to  distant  fields  w^liere  '  the 
brave  will  tremble  and  the  pious  even  doubt  the  favor 
of  God.'  Never  give  up  this  battle,  and  never  tire  in 
succeeding  conflicts  till  the  cause  is  finally  won," 

Several  brigades  having  been  repulsed  and  driven 
out  of  the  woods  at  the  point  where  Gen.  Wright  with 
his  brigade  was  ordered  in,  you  not  only  held  your 
position,  but  actually  drove  the  enemy  through  the 
woods  and  over  a  field  in  the  rear.  Your  loss  in 
killed  and  wounded  was  thirty -two.  Major  A.  B. 
Montgomery,  your  commander,  alter  being  shot  in 


43 


the  thigh,  remained  on  the  field  the  entire  day  and  fol- 
lowing night,  displaying  great  (coolness  and  fortitude. 

Rapidly  followed  Sharpshiirg  the  third  general 
battle — in  less  than  three  months. 

Before  becoming  actually  engaged,  you  moved  for- 
ward under  artillery  fire  more  than  a  mile,  when 
coming  to  a  picket  fence  in  an  apple  orchard,  immedi- 
ately to  the  left  of  Sharpsburg,  it  was  torn  down  in 
less  time  than  consumes  to  tell  it.  and  you  were 
brought  to  close  quarters  with  the  foe.  Gen.  Wrigh^, 
while  fearlessly  leading  the  brigade  under  a  shower  of 
grape  on  the  right  flank  and  musketry  in  front,  was 
shot  in  the  breast  and  thigh,  and  forced  b}^  his  men  in 
a  litter  from  the  field.  Yet  a  further  charge  was  made, 
causing  the  enemy  to  break  and  run,  in  which  Lieut. 
Col.  Nisbet  and  Adjutant  Perry  fell  at  the  head  of  the 
regiment  ;  the  former  seriously  wounded,  and  the  lat- 
ter mortalh',  being  riddled  by  seven  balls. 

From  recent  excessive  marches  through  Virginia 
and  Maryland  and  (immediately  previous  to  the  fight) 
during  the  entire  night  from  Harper's  Ferry  to  Shep- 
ardstown  and  in  the  morning,  without  scarcely  a  halt, 
this  regiment  was  reduced  to  one  hundred  and  thirty- 
eight  men,  seventy-two  of  whom  were  killed  and 
wounded.  It  was  by  far  the  most  sanguinary  battle 
of  the  war,  in  proportion  to  the  numbers  engaged,  and 
was  a  decided  victory,  as  the  object  for  which  it  was 
fought  was  accomplished — to  draw  the  army  and  its 
trains  safely  from  Maryland. 

In  the  order  of  succession  the  next  battle  was  that 
of  Chancellorsville,  commencing  on  the  2d  of  May, 
1863,  and  continuing  for  several  days. 

Gen.  Wright,  under  the  immediate  supervision  of 
Stonewall  Jackson,  moved  his  brigade  on  the  left  of  the 
plank  road  leading  from  Fredericksburg  to  Chancel- 
lorsville, with  his  right  resting  thereon — the  Third 
Georgia  Regiment  being  deployed  in  front  as  skir- 
mishers, pushed  forward,  driving  the  enemy  a  mile 
and  a  half  to  their  outer  line  of  works.  Carrying  the 
rest  of  the  brigade  two  miles  on  the  west  to  "the  Fur- 
nace," which  was  threatened,  this  regiment  was  left 
in  their  advanced  position  in  the  woods,  where  it  con- 
tended with  a  whole  brigade  till  sunset  ibrought  relief, 
holding  its  ground  even  against  one  attack  made  in 
column  of  regiments. 

The  next  day  Jackson's  men  moved  in  a  long,  steady 


44 


stream  by  the  left  flank  to  gain  the  enemy' s  right  and 
rear.  The  sight  of  the  Southern  Achilles,  as  he  sat 
on  his  charger,  with  india  rubber  coat,  and  cap  drawn 
down  on  his  face,  quickly  moving  those  thin  lips  and 
flashing  a  piercing  eye  as  he  gave  his  directions,  awak- 
ened the  unbounded  admiration  of  all,  to  whom  the 
very  presence  of  Jackson  was  a  precursor  of  victory. 
On  the  morning  of  the  third  day,  amid  the  booming 
of  guns  on  the  distant  left,  coming  slowly  but  grad- 
ually nearer.  General  Wright  moved  the  brigade  for- 
ward on  the  line  of  breastworks  that  had  an  ahattis 
of  fallen  timbers  in  front,  while  behind  was  a  large 
force  with  heavy  batteries  to  protect  them  by  direct 
and  flanking  fires. 

This  was  one  of  the  severest  fights  for  an  hour,  the 
enemy  pouring  in  a  terrific  fire  of  grape,  canister  and 
schrapnel.  But  the  roaring  of  Jackson's  cannon  com- 
ing still  nearer  and  louder  on  the  enemy' s  right,  you 
charged  the  breastworks,  driving  them  back  to  their 
second  line  of  trenches— rifle  pits  in  the  field  around 
the  Chancellorsville  House.  From  these  you  were 
momentarily  repulsed  in  endeavoring  to  enter ;  but 
just  here  Jackson,  having  opened  fire  on  our  imme- 
diate left  with  a  strong  battery  of  long  range  guns,  the 
brigade  moved  forward  in  column  of  regiments— with 
the  Third  Georgia  in  front — leaped  the  rifle  pits  and 
drove  the  enemy  from  the  field.  Here  our  commander, 
Maj.  Jones,  had  an  arm  shot  off"  just  at  the  time  when 
the  Seventeenth  Connecticut,  with  its  Colonel,  Lieu- 
tenant Colonel  and  Adjutant,  were  captured  by  two 
companies  of  this  regiment. 

While  the  army  was  victorious  around  Chancellors- 
ville, Sedgwick's  Corps,  fourteen  miles  below,  had 
captured  Marye' s  Heights,  and  were  advancing  in  our 
rear.  But  Gen.  Lee  turned  upon  him  with  two  of  his 
victorious  divisions,  and  attacked  him  on  the  high 
range  of  hills  along  the  plank  road  above  Fredericks- 
burg. 

Wright' s  brigade,  being  formed  around  the  base  of 
the  hill  leading  up  to  Bowman's  house,  made  a  deci- 
sive charge  under  the  eyes  of  General  Lee,  which  was 
highly  complimented  by  him.    The  loss  of  this  regi 
ment  in  all,  killed  and  wounded,  was  ninety-two. 

This  was  the  most  glorious  victory  of  the  war. 
Fought  upon  a  field  of  the  enemy's  own  choosing  and 
against  odds  of  at  least  three  to  one,  it  shed  undying 


4=5 


lustre  upon  the  immortal  Lee.  Attacked  in  front  and 
rear  by  overwhelming  numbf^rs,  but  rising  to  the 
height  of  the  occasion,  like  a  tiger  at  bay,  he  first 
springs  on  one  and  then  on  the  other,  until  finally 
there  he  stands, 

Like  some  tall  cliff  whose  awful  form, 
Swells  in  the  vale  and  midway  leaves  the  storm, 
Though  round  its  breast  the  rolling  clouds  are  spread. 
Eternal  sunshine  settles  on  his  head." 

Passing  through  Virginia  and  Maryland  into  Penn- 
sylvania, on  the  3d  of  July,  1863,  we  come  to  the  field 
of  Gettysburg — the  Barodino  of  the  war.  Like  that 
dread  field  in  Russia  which  lost  to  Napoleon  his  mag- 
nificent empire,  this  caused  our  fortunes  to  wane  and 
our  arms  to  gradually  fall. 

Standing  on  a  ridge,  we  could  see  a  long  range  of 
hills,  running  parallel  to  our  position,  occupied  by 
masses  of  infantry  and  artillery,  with  an  intervening- 
space  of  what  seemed  to  be  a  level  plain.  At  5:30 
o'clock  General  Wright  ordered  an  advance  down 
through  the  woods  into  the  open  fields  below.  Rush- 
ing down  the  hill-side  into  a  valley  broken  into  small 
ridges  and  hollows,  we  were  greeted  by  a  sheet  of  fire 
rolling  out  from  the  opposite  side,  the  smoke  extend- 
ing and  ascending  until  it  darkened  the  rays  of  the 
sun.  But  on  we  moved,  scarcely  seeing  one  hundred 
yards  ahead,  across  the  Emmetsburg  road,  until  you 
came  to  a  rock  fence,  from  behind  which  a  fire  of  mus- 
ketry riddled  your  serried  ranks.  Leaping  over  it, 
seizing  artillery  horses,  shooting  down  the  riders  and 
cutting  the  traces  from  the  caisons,  you  press  on  over 
these  guns  up  to  the  crest  of  the  hill,  where  thirteen 
other  pieces  of  artiller}^  are  captured — thus  cutting  en- 
tirely in  twain  the  army  of  Mead.  If  the  same  advance 
had  been  made  on  our  left  a  different  history  might 
have  been  written  wherein  Gettsburg,  instead  of  being 
"the  Illiad  of  our  woes,"  would  have  been  the  Sala- 
mis  and  Marathon  of  our  independence.  But  without 
help  and  having  penetrated  too  far,  assailed  on  the 
right,  on  the  left,  in  front  and  partly  in  our  rear,  we 
were  pushed  back  down  the  hill — this  regiment  losing 
in  killed,  wounded  and  captured,  at  least  one-half  of 
its  number. 

Papers  in  Virginia  about  the  time  and  since  have 
lauded  Picket's  Division  as  having  made  the  charge, 
going  farther  over  this  very  ground  than  any  other 


46 


body  of  men.  And  while  I  wo  aid  not,  if  I  could, 
detract  one  iota  from  that  grand  division  or  pluck  one 
leaf  from  its  well  earned  crown,  yet  it  is  due  to  the 
vindication  of  the  truth  of  history  to  say  that  they  did 
not  even  get  to  the  rock  fence  much  less  to  the  heights 
beyond,  over  which  Wright's  brigade  passed  on  the 
preceding  day.  If  there  is  any  doubt,  here  is  the  tes- 
timony of  one  who  knew,  and  w^ho  dealt  out  impartial 
justice  to  his  followers  : 

General  Lee,  in  his  official  report  says :  "  Wilcox 
and  Wright's  brigades  advanced  with  great  gallantry, 
breaking  successive  lines  of  infantry,  and  compelling 
him  (the  enemy)  to  abandon  much  of  his  artillery. 
Wilcox  reached  the  foot,  and  Wright  gained  the  crest  of 
the  ridge  itself,  driving  the  enemy  doivn  the  opposite  side.'' 

In  this  connection,  E  will  state  from  my  own  personal 
knowledge,  received  from  the  lips  of  Gen  Lee,  that  he 
knew  and  recognizi^d  as  well  merited  your  fame  as  a 
regiment.  In  passing  through  Augusta  to  Florida  a 
short  time  before  his  death,  whither  he  w^as  going  with 
the  vain  hope  of  recruiting  a  shattered  constitution 
and  a  broken  heart,  I  remarked  to  him  :  ''General,  all 
Georgians  feel  attached  to  you,  and  so  far  as  the  regi- 
ment is  concerned  which  I  once  had  the  honor  to  com- 
mand— the  Third  Georgia — their  attachment  simply 
amounts  to  worship."  ''Ah,  (he  replied,  tlie  tears 
gathering  in  his  eyes),  I  remember  them  well ;  they 
were  a  part  of  Wright's  Brigade.  Say  to  them  that  I 
shall  never  cease  to  love  them." 

Here  I  bid  farewell  to  our  friend  and  lamented  first 
commander,  for,  being  a  captive  myself  for  several 
months,  during  which  time  he  became  a  Major- Gen- 
eral and  was  sent  to  the  South  Atlantic  coast,  I  never 
again  saw  him  in  the  heat  and  smoke  of  battle.  With 
no  wish  to  disturb  him,  I  leave  him  in  his  glory, 
among  our  other  comrades,  free  from  the  pains  and 
trials  and  troubles  of  this  transitory  life.  '  •  Take  him, 
for  all  in  all,  I  shall  not  look  upon  his  like  again." 

His  life  was  gentle,  and  the  elements 

kSo  mixed  in  him,  that  Nature  might  stand  up 

And  say  to  all  the  world :  This  was  a  man  /" 

Passing  through  Manassas  Gap,  where  Walker  fell ; 
over  the  Wilderness,  Cold  Harbor  and  other  battles 
around  Petersburg,  where  Luckie,  McCrea  and  others 
left  us  forever,  down  to  Farmville  where,  on  the  day 


47 


before  the  surrender  at  Appomattox,  under  my  com- 
mand you  charged,  seized  and  dragged  from  the  very 
lines  of  the  enemy  a  regiment  of  Pennsylvanians — I 
have  reached  the  end  of  my  story.  But  one  thing 
more  is  necessary  to  close  the  record  up — a  special 
reference  to  the  privates  and  non-commissioned  officers 
who,  for  four  long  years,  fearlessly  trod  the  path  of 
duty  with  a  devotion  and  fidelity  equal  to  that  of  the 
Imperial  Guards  of  Napoleon  or  the  Tenth  Legion  of 
Caesar. 

Days  of  romance  are  tilled  with  incidents  where 
knights  have  performed  "deeds  of  emprise,"  or  crossed 
lances  beneath  the  smiles  of  some  fair  lady,  who  stood 
with  wreath  in  hand  to  deck  the  victor's  brow;  while 
with  no  less  of  the  romantic  but  more  of  the  terrible 
Napoleon  in  all  liis  majesty,  stood  at  Jena,  at  Ulm 
and  at  Austerlitz.  to  reward  with  his  Imperial  Eagle 
and  the  Oros^'  of'tlx^  Legion  0+  Honor,  tli^  most  daring 
of  his  battalions  ;  but  where  on  earth's  green  surface 
can  be  found  a  brighter  spectacle  than  that  of  the  pri- 
vate or  non-commissioned  officer  who,  in  many  in- 
stances, without  the  chances  of  promotion  or  honors 
of  office,  rushed  onward  with  a  sheet  of  fire  blazing 
in  his  face,  keeping  only  in  view  the  banner  of  the 
army  to  which  lie  was  attached  and  the  liberties  of  his 
country  i  Such  fidelity  not  only  deserves  the  praise 
of  man,  but  merits  that  of  angels  and  of  God.  Life  is 
but  a  fleeting  span,  and  I  know  not  whether  mine  will 
be  brief  or  extended,  but  whether  long  or  short,  I  ask 
for  no  higher  honor  than  the  continued  friendship 
of  such  men.  In  the  language  of  Ruth  to  Naomi : 
"Entreat  me  not  to  leave  thee,  nor  to  return  from  fol- 
lowing after  thee,  for  whither  thou  goest  I  will  go,  and 
where  thou  lodgest  I  will  lodge,  thy  people  shall  be 
my  people,  and  thy  God  my  God." 

A  few  words  as  to  the  future  and  I  have  done. 

The  past  we  cannot  recall,  our  destinies  we  cannot 
change  ;  then  as  reasonable  men  let  us  make  the  most 
we  can  of  the  situation.  This  is  a  great  country  as  it 
is.  With  a  national  story  so  brief  in  existence  as 
scarcely  to  reach  the  name  of  history,  with  forty  mil- 
lions of  23eople  spread  over  an  immense  territory,  with 
boundless  resources  wooing  the  attention  of  enterprise, 
the  world  of  mind  and  matter  moving  on  as  it  has 
never  moved;  this  country  is  destined  at  some  future 
day  to  eclipse  the  glori(^s  of  the  Grecian  and  Roman 


48 

Empires.  It  is  our  property,  for  we  liave  a  fee  simple 
title  as  tenants  in  common  with  the  people  of  all  the 
States.  We  have  a  full  share  in  the  common  heritage 
of  Yorktown  and  Saratoga,  of  Eutaw  and  Bunker 
Hill,  of  New  Orleans  and  Lunday's  Lane,  of  Buena 
Vista  and  Cliurubusco.  If  one  section  proudly  points 
to  their  esteemed  statesmen,  Webster  and  Douglas, 
with  equal  pride  we  can  point  to  our  Clay  and  Cal- 
houn ;  and  if  the}'  will  lift  the  veil  of  our  late  civil 
war,  and  refer  in  terms  of  admiration  to  the  greatest 
living  soldier,  U.  S.  Grant,  with  a  holy  pride  we  can 
refer  to  a  peer,  wdiose  purity  was  like  the  snow  Hake, 
while  his  genius  flashed  as  the  sunbeam,  Robert  E. 
Lee. 

Grave  diflerences  we  have  arising  out  of  the  late 
civil  war,  but,  having  an  abiding  confidence  in  the  in- 
tegrity of  purpose  of  mankind  in  general,  when  the 
passions  subside  and  reason  resumes  her  sway,  I  be-  « 
lieve  all  the  differences  will  be  finall}^  settled  upon 
principles  of  equity  and  justice.  Such  is  the  history 
of  Spain  after  the  junction  of  the  houses  of  Castile  and 
Arragon;  such  of  England  after  her  war  of  the  roses  ; 
such  of  France  after  Robespierre  and  the  carnival  of 
the  Septembrisers;  and  such  of  Austria  after  the  sub- 
jugation of  Hungary. 

We  can  not  constitute  an  exception  to  all  people  of 
all  ages,  and  remain  forever  the  victims  of  continuous 
wrong  and  oppression.  JSTo !  my  comrades,  justice, 
acting  under  the  inspiration  of  Divinity,  that  doetli  all 
things  well,  will  again  resume  her  throne;  and  while 
greeting  her  in  a  genuine  spirit  of  conciliation,  coupled 
with  a  firm  adherence  to  principle,  I  would  invoke  that 

"  Dread  power  !  whose  empire-giving  hand 
Has  oft  been  stretched  to  shield  the  honored  land  ! 
Strong  may  she  glow  with  all  her  ancient  fire ; 
May  every  son  be  worthy  of  his  sire  : 
Bold  may  she  brave  grim  danger's  loudest  roar, 
Till  fate  the  curtain  drop  on  worlds  to  be  no  more." 


49 


It  was  nearly  2  o'clock  P.  M.  when  this  ad'mirahle 
and  interesting  address  was  completed.  At  its  close 
the  assembly  proceeded  to  the  six  long  tables  spread 
in  the  north-western  portion  of  the  Fair  Grounds  and 
piled  with  an  ample  barbacue  given  in  compliment  to 
the  veterans  by  the  Dawson  Grays  and  the  citizens  of 
Greene  County.  The  regiment  formed,  under  com- 
mand of  Col.  Snead,  and  the  tables  were  approached 
thus :  The  survivors  of  the  Third  Georgia  Regiment 
in  two  ranks,  the  soldiers  from  other  commands,  the 
ladies,  then  the  (gentlemen)  citizens,  opening  ranks  and 
taking  places  in  reverse  order  at  each  of  the  tables. 

The  half  dozen  tables  were  promptly  surrounded 
and  valiantly  attacked,  most  excellent  appetites  caus- 
ing a  brave  charge,  before  which  mutton,  veal,  pig, 
beef,  turkeys,  chickens,  cakes  and  all  manner  of  deli- 
cate edibles,  yielded  after  a  brief  resistance. 

When  the  princely  feast  was  over,  Col.  Snead  called 
attention  to  the  regular  toasts,  which  he  announced  in 
order,  with  responses,  as  follows  : 

First  Regular  Toast. — Robert  E.  Lee— The  noblest 
Roman  of  them  all.  Responded  to  by  Capt  S.  A. 
Corker,  who  said : 

Comrades  and  Gentlemen — Coming  down  step  by  step 
through  the  ages,  and  stoping  to  contemplate  the  his- 
tory of  the  governments  of  civilized  man,  it  will  be 
found  that  all  yet  created  present  a  page  in  which  is 
recounted  a  great  upheaval — a  wasting  war — a  ground 
swell — which  swept  over  them,  leaving  behind  little  to 
admire  save  the  greatness  developed  in  the  individual 
character  of  some  Caesar,  Cromwell  or  Napoleon.  Such 
an  upheaval,  such  a  war,  swept  over  the  short-lived 
Confederate  States  of  America,  and  such  a  character, 
with  still  greater  lustre  than  they,  was  Robert  E.  Lee. 
In  contemplating  the  career  of  that  government,  and 
the  glory  of  that  peerless  soldier,  there  rises  to  the 
mind's  eye  a  grandeur  of  collective  heroism  in  her 
people,  and  a  sublime  goodness  and  greatness  in  her 
Lee,  unapproached  and  unapproachable,  by  anything 
either  in  ancient  or  modern  times.  And  their  history, 
their  greatness  and  glory,  are  indissolubly  bound 
4 


50 


together,  and  so  mingled,  present  a  spectacle  which,  for 
the  intensity  of  its  brightness,  in  the  usually  dark  back 
ground  of  the  history  of  countries,  and  the  unquiet, 
restless  and  ever-recurring  ignoble  ambition  of  men, 
causes  them  to  stand  without  a  rival.  Such  a  coun- 
try !  Such  a  man !  If  the  character  of  the  latter 
had  been  the  only  legacy  it  gave  to  posterity,  it  would 
for  that  alone  be  imperishable.  He  having  been  its 
servant,  a  general  of  its  armies,  perpetuates  his 
memory,  and  would  alone  have  made  him  immortal. 
But  he  did  not  stop  there.  In  the  splendor  of  his 
genius  and  the  purity  of  his  nature  he  spread  a  halo 
of  renown  over  the  pages  of  her  history  she  would  not 
have  obtained  without  him.  Great  in  war,  he  was  not 
less  so  in  peace.  His  unselfish  nature  prevented  him 
from  appropriating  the  numberless  opportunities  pre- 
sented to  enrich  himself,  and  spurned  with  disdain  and 
an  indifference  unappreciated  by  ordinary  minds  the 
objects  which  are  usually  the  objective  points  of  the 
ordinary  ambition  of  men. 

When  the  Southern  Confederacy  went  down  in 
blood,  and  all  was  lost  in  one  universal  ruin,  his  acts, 
his  demeanor,  his  uncomplaining  self-sacrificing  spirit, 
seemed  to  say  daily  to  his  fallen  sufiering  countrymen, 
*'I  am  alone  to  blame,  let  all  the  consequences  rest  on 
my  shoulders."  JSToble,  generous  patriot  !  great  and 
mighty  genius  !  may  thy  virtues  ever  stand  a  beacon- 
light  to  thy  countrymen  ;  and  if  thy  beloved  Vii^ginia, 
and  the  South,  should  ever  again,  by  the  providence  of 
Gfod,  gird  on  her  armor  and  strike  for  home  and  free- 
dom, may  another  Lee  rise  up  to  lead  her  armies,  and 
guide  the  councils  of  her  cabinet. 

Comrades  !  in  conclusion  I  pray  you  imitate  his 
virtues  and  example  ;  let  it  ever  be  said  of  the  soldiers 
of  Lee,  that  they  are  self-denying  and  great  of  soul. 
If  any  man  shall  attract  attention  by  the  purity  of  his 
life,  his  energy,  his  activity,  his  greatness,  let  it  be 
said  "he  belonged  to  the  Army  of  Northern  Virginia  ; 
he  is  one  of  Lee's  old  soldiers." 

Second  Regular  Toast. — The  Third  Georgia— The  first 
Georgia  Regiment  on  Virginia  soil.  Responded  to  by 
Capt.  C.  H.  Andrews,  who  said : 

Comrades — In  response  to  the  sentiment,  I  will  say 
the  Third  Georgia  Regiment  was  called  into  service  by 
Gov.  Brown,  on  the  23d  of  April,  1861,  to  rendezvous 


51 


at  Augusta,  Ga.,  to  be  there  equipped,  and  under 
command  of  the  senior  captain,  proceed  to  Richmond, 
and  there  elect  field  officers.  The  Home  Guards,  from 
Madison,  reached  Augusta  on  the  26th  of  April,  and 
each  Rail  Road  train  after  that  brought  in  the  re- 
mainder of  the  regiment.  Two  companies,  (I  think 
the  Blodgett  Volunteers,  and  the  Confederate  Light 
Guards,)  being  organized  in  Augusta,  were  mustered 
into  service  first,  and  proceeded  to  Richmond.  The 
Burke  Guards,  and  the  Home  Guards,  were  mustered 
into  service  on  the  2nd  of  May,  and  reached  Norfolk 
the  night  of  the  4th.  The  companies  in  Richmond, 
and  those  en  route,  were  ordered  to  Norfolk.  On  the 
8th  of  May,  an  election  was  held  for  field  officers. 
The  Fourth  Georgia  Regiment  was  called  into  service  at 
>  the  same  time,  and  elected  field  officers  at  Norfolk  on 

the  same  day  we  did,  but  companies  of  the  3d  were 
the  first  to  reach  Virginia,  and  as  a  command  all  of  its 
companies  were  the  first  there  to  compose  a  regiment. 
The  Second  Georgia  Battalion,  of  four  companies^ 
were  organized,  and  at  Norfolk  before  us. 

As  the  sentiment  is  to  the  Third  Georgia  Regiment, 
it  may  not  be  amiss  for  me  to  say  more  than  these  his- 
torical facts.  Much  has  been  said  of  the  gallant 
services  of  the  regiment,  and  of  the  high  character  of 
its  commanders.  Let  me  illustrate  by  an  incident 
how  highly  Gen.  Wright  esteemed  you,  the  rank  and 
file  of  his  old  command.  In  response  to  a  serenade 
given  him  at  Orange  Court  House,  in  August,  1863,  in 
glowing  words  he  recounted  to  us  the  services  done, 
and  in  conclusion  expressed  his  regard  for  us.  He 
said:  "I  heard  of  how  you  cursed  me  for  telling 
Girardy,  at  Chancellorsville,  when  he  asked  me  how 
to  form  the  brigade  for  the  fight,  and  I  told  him  to  put 
the  Third  Georgia  in  front  and  keep  it  there.  I  had 
raised  you  up  as  it  were,  had  trained  you,  had  tried 
you,  and  had  never  found  you  wanting.  I  looked 
upon  you  as  men  who  would  stand  by  me  under  all 
circumstances,  and  I  would  not  be  afraid  to  trust  you 
in  any  danger.  I  knew  Hooker  had  an  army  of  at 
least  120,000,  and  Gen.  Lee  had  42,000  to  oppose  him^ 
and  as  we  were  situated  we  had  to  conquer  or  die. 
My  faith  in  you  was  vindicated  during  those  several 
days  of  hard  fighting.  But,  as  you  cursed  me  for 
putting  you  where  the  best  men  were  needed,  I  will 
make  a  bargain  with  you  to  night.    If  you  will  desert 


52 


me  on  the  next  field  of  battle,  I'll  agree  never  to  put 
you  in  the  front  again.  Will  you  do  it  ? "  "No  !  'No  ! 
No  ! ' '  rang  through  those  old  woods,  and  was  echoed 
among  the  blood-stained  hills  of  Virginia. 

Third  Regular  Toast. — Col.  Claiborne  Snead — Its  last 
commander.  Responded  to  by  Capt.  D.  N.  Sanders, 
who  said  : 

Though  I  have  never  developed  any  talent  for 
speech-making,  I  would  be  at  no  loss  for  words  in 
responding  to  the  toast  just  read,  were  it  not  for  the 
presence  of  my  gallant  friend,  who  is  distinguished  for 
his  modesty  as  for  his  courage.  In  his  presence,  I 
know  not  what  I  can  say  that  shall  be  at  all  equal  to 
his  merits,  without  bringing  the  blush  to  cheeks  which 
the  enemy' s  guns  could  never  make  to  change  color. 
Beleiving  that  his  first  allegiance  was  due  to  Georgia, 
he  awaited  not  the  second  call  to  olfer  life  and  fortune 
in  her  defense.  Volunteering  in  the  first  Georgia 
regiment  which  j  marched  to  repel  the  invader  from 
Virginia  soil,  he  rose  on  his  merits  from  the  rank  of  a 
Sub-Lieutenant,  to  the  command  of  his  regiment.  He 
was  not  more  distinguished  for  gallantry  on  the  field, 
than  for  courtesy  in  the  camp.  Sheathing  his  sword, 
only  at  the  command  of  our  immortal  chieftain,  he  led 
back  to  Georgia  his  noble  regiment,  with  its  ranks 
unbroken  by  desertion  and  a  record  inferior  to  that  of 
no  battalion  that  wore  the  gray. 

During  the  dark  days  of  reconstruction  he  struggled 
manfully  to  preserve  the  State  from  the  horde  of 
thieves  and  adventurers  bent  upon  her  bankruptcy, 
both  in  wealth  and  honor.  In  every  position  of  life  he 
has  proved  himself,  a  worthy  son  of  his  noble  mother 
State,  xlnd,  to-day,  as  a  soldier,  as  a  citizen,  as  a 
statesman,  Georgia  points  to  him  with  pride  as  a  rep- 
resentative son. 

Fourth  Regular  Toast. — Stonewall  Jackson — The  Lion 
of  the  Valley.  Eesponded^ito  b}^  Capt.  J.  W.  Mathews, 
who  said  : 

I  might  well  add  the  Bonaparte  of  our  army,  the 
christian  hero,  the  pride  of  the  South. 

The  name  of  Stonewall  Jackson  will  never  die,  but 
will  ever  live,  wreathed  in  a  halo  of  glory,  and  deeply 
imbedded  in  the  hearts  of  his  countrymen. 

As  an  enemy,  to  be  dreaded,  as  a  friend,  trusted ; 


53 


in  the  valley  to-day,  on  the  mountain  top  to-morrow  ; 
wherever  Stonewall  Jackson  led,  victory  followed. 

His  name  will  ever  live  to  add  new  lustre  to  our 
cause,  a  lustre  that  will  brighten  as  ages  roll  on. 

Our  children' s  children,  in  years  to  come,  will  sing 
peons  of  praise  to  the  noble  character,  gallant  chiv- 
alry and  unsurpassed  heroism  of  Stonewall  Jackson, 
the  Lion  of  the  Valley. 

Fifth  Regular  Toast. — Jefferson  Davis — The  gnarled 
oak  may  break,  but  never  bends.  Responded  to  by 
Maj.  John  F.  Jones,  who  said  : 

Comrades  and  Friends — It  affords  me  pleasure  to  re- 
spond to  the  toast  assigned  me.  For  nis  greatness  I 
loved  him,  and  he  alone  understood  the  magnitude 
and  glory  of  our  cause  ;  magnanimous  in  the  hour  of 
victory,  great  in  the  night  ot  our  defeat. 

Like  the  monarch  of  the  forest,  our  leader  bared  his 
breast  to  the  storms  of  war,  and  last  of  that  noble  band, 
he  suffered  the  pains  of  the  bastile,  that  the  principles 
of  our  cause,  and  the  deeds  of  the  battle-scarred  vet- 
erans who  so  nobly  illustrated  the  South  on  a  thousand 
fields  of  combat,  might  be  embalmed  in  the  memory 
of  rising  generations. 

He,  the  head  of  our  government,  and  he  only,  repre- 
sented to  the  last  theTldea  of  our  people,  * '  never  to 
abandon  our  cause,"  but  fight  to  the  last  extremity ; 
but  fate  decreed  it  to  be  against  us,  our  cause  lost,  our 
hopes  crushed,  our  confederation  overthrown.  But  of 
the  Hon.  Jeff.  Davis,  I  can  but  say — 

"  Like  some  tall  cliff  that  rears  its  awful  form, 
Swells  to  the  gale  and  midway  meets  the  storm  ; 
Though  around  its  breast  the  rolling  clouds  are  spread, 
Eternal  sunshine  settles  on  his  head." 

Sixth  Regular  Toast. — Our  Heroic  Dead — Response  by 
Sidney  Herbert,  editor  of  the  Troy  Messenger,  Troy, 
Ala.,  and  a  Major  and  A.  D.  C.  in  the  Federal  army 
during  the  late  war,  who  spoke  as  follows  : 

Mr.  President  and  Felloiv- Soldiers — I  should  be  false  to 
the  high  sentiments  of  esteem  which  I  have  ever  enter- 
tained for  those  great  captains  of  your  late  armies — Lee, 
Jackson  and  Sidney  Johnson — were  I  to  fail  to  respond 
to  your  very  kind  invitation  to  pay  a  tribute  to  the 
heroic  dead  of  the  ''Lost  Cause."  I  believe  in  the  fit- 
ness of  things,  and  if  I  did  not  think  I  was  the  right 


54 


man  in  the  right  place,  on  this  occasion,  I  should  most 
positively  decline  to  fill  the  responsible  position  you 
nave  seen  fit  to  assign  me  in  your  order  of  exercises. 
But  there  are  three  reasons  why  I  feel  no  reluctance  in 
accepting  the  duty  imposed  upon  me  at  this  time, 
where  sorrow  and  regret  mingle  with  joy  and  gladness, 
softening  the  emotions  of  our  hearts  and  giving  to  the 
words  that  fall  from  our  lips  a  mournful  tenderness  ; 
joy,  that  so  many  are  spared  to  be  here  to-day  to  clasp 
again  each  others'  hands,  and  sorrow,  that  a  host  of  no- 
ble comrades  are  beyond  the  reach  of  any  earthly  voice 
to  summons  them  to  a  reunion  of  the  veterans  of  the 
late  war.  In  soldier-graves,  widely  separated,  their 
battle-scarred  bodies  await  the  general  resurrection 
of  the  dead,  that  grandest  and  most  sublime  of  all 
^  reunions,  when  their  scattered  bones,  from  ocean  shore 
and  from  mountain  side,  from  lowly  valley  and  from 
towering  hill,  shall  be  gathered  up  and  rehabilitated 
in  human  flesh,  and  shall  stand  unmaimed,  unscarred, 
and  with  strength  renewed,  in  the  presence  of  the 
great  Captain  of  our  Salvation. 

"  So  noble  in  their  lives,  in  death 

More  noble  still,  they  do  not  need 
A  song,  or  panegyric  wreath. 
Or  any  praiseful  meed. 

God's  peace  be  theirs,  where'er  they  sleep, 
Throughout  our  wide  and  fair  domain, 

And  may  a  grateful  people  keep 
Their  memories  from  stain." 

My  first  reason  for  responding  to  your  invitation, 
lies  in  the  fact,  that  during  the  four  years  of  war,  I 
stood  face  to  face,  on  the  battle  field,  with  thousands 
of  the  heroic  Southern  dead  whose  memory  you  are 
to-day  called  upon  to  honor  and  to  perpetuate.  I  am 
able,  therefore,  to  speak  in  more  decided  terms,^  and 
without  restraint,  of  their  unequaled  fidelity,  unflinch- 
ing fortitude  and  fearless  courage,  throughout  the 
long  and  unequal  contest.  Never  did  soldiers  stand 
firmer  and  closer  in  line  of  battle,  or  meet  death  more 
unshrinkingly,  than  did  the  gallant  lieroes  who  rallied 
beneath  the  fiag  for  whose  supremacy  they  went  forth 
to  battle,  and  in  whose  defence  they  so  cheerfully  and 
unhesitatingly  sacrificed  their  lives  in  the  face  of  a 
powerful  and  well  supplied  enemy.  Well  may  I 
adopt  the  language  of  my  old  friend,  Gen.  Chamber- 
lain, in  his  Address  to  our  Society  of  the  Army  of  the 
Potomac,  where  he  says  :   "That  Army  of  Northern 


55 

Virginia — who  can  help  looking  back  upon  them  now 
with  feelings  half  fraternal?  Ragged  and  reckless, 
jet  careful  to  keep  their  bayonets  bright,  and  lines  of 
battle  well  dressed ;  reduced  to  dire  extremity  at 
times,  yet  always  ready  for  a  fight ;  rough  and  rude, 
yet  knowing  well  how  to  make  a  field  illustrious. 
Who  can  forget  them — the  brave,  bronzed  faces  that 
looked  at  us  for  four  years  across  the  flaming  pit 
— men  with  whom,  in  a  hundred  fierce  grapples,  we 
fought,  with  remorseless  desperation  and  all  the  ter- 
rible enginery  of  death,  till  on  the  one  side  and  on  the 
other  a  quarter  of  a  million  fell ;  and  yet  we  never 
hated  them,  except  that  they  struck  at  the  old  flag. 
Main  force  against  main  force — there  was  good  reason 
why — when  valor  like  that  was  exhausted — the  sun 
should  go  down  on  thousands  dead,  but  not  one 
VANQUISHED."  TMs,  Mr.  President,  is  the  sentiment 
of  every  true  soldier  then  in  that  grand  old  Army 
of  the  Potomac,  created,  disciplined  and  made  ready 
for  other  hands  to  control  in  its  final  victories,  by 
that  splendid  soldier  and  Christian  statesman,  Major 
General  George  B.  McClellan.  Fellow-soldiers,  this 
is  a  the  tribute  ot  praise  that  we  who  wore  the  Blue, 
and  who  fully  tested  your  fidelity,  your  courage  and 
your  perseverance,  pay  to  your  dead  comrades,  who 
at  your  side  and  in  your  ranks,  proudly  and  faithfully, 
even  to  their  death,  wore  the  Gray.  And  be  assurred, 
that  whatever  may  be  said  here  on  earth, 

"  None  will  ask  in  yonder  Heaven, 
Where  smiles  eternal  day, 
Why  this  one  wore  the  Northern  Blue, 
Or  that,  the  Southern  Gray." 

My  second  reason  for  responding  being  a  good  one, 
I  shall  also  state  it.  The  Ladies'  Memorial  Associa- 
tion of  Pike  County,  Alabama,  my  present  home,  saw 
fit  to  select  me  as  the  liistorian  of  their  society,  and 
for  months  past  I. have  devoted  all  my  spare  moments 
to  the  duties  of  that  office.  No  county  in  the  South 
contributed  truer,  braver  soldiers,  or  more  of  them 
according  to  population,  to  the  Confederate  cause,  than 
did  this  grand  old  county,  whose  long  list  of  killed  in 
battle,  and  died  in  service,  is  the  best  testimony  that 
can  be  given  to  the  patriotism  of  her  sons  in  the  hour 
of  their  country's  peril.  As  I  have  gathered  up  the 
memorials  of  these  fallen  braves,  the  son  in  early  man- 
hood, the  husband  in  the  prime  of  life,  and  the  aged 


56 


father,  not  to  speak  of  tlie  brave  beardless  boys  whose 
youthful  ardor  sent  them  so  early  to  the  field,  my  heart 
has  felt  deeply  grieved  that  we  who  wore  the  Blue,  and 
who  fought  against  these  noble  fellows  with  such  fatal 
results,  had  not  then  known  more  of  the  true  character 
of  our  enemies.  How  unselfishly  they  loved  the 
cause  they  so  ardently  espoused  !  How  patiently  they 
bore  the  hardships  of  long  and  weary  marches  I  How 
fearlessly  and  with  what  hopefulness  they  always  met 
the  foe  !  They  had  loved  ones  at  home  to  think  of  and 
to  long  to  see  again  in  the  flesh  !  they  had  aspirations 
and  expectations  for  the  future,  that  they  desired  to 
have  gratified  !  they  prayed  for  peace  to  come,  that 
they  might  return  to  their  homes  and  to  their  dear  ones  ; 
but  above  all  these — bright,  clear  and  unshaken — was 
their  devotion  to  the  flag  under  which  they  had  gone 
forth  to  battle  for  Southern  Independence.  This  it  was, 
not  love  of  fame,  nor  a  desire  for  military  glory,  that 
led  them  to  meet  death  unshrinkingly  at  the  cannon' s 
mouth  and  at  the  bayonet' s  point.  All  honor  to  such 
noble  heroes  !  Hardly  a  score  of  the  already  recorded 
eight  hundred  of  her  dead  lie  buried  beneath  her  own 
soil ;  but  in  the  hearts  of  the  true  and  patriotic  women 
of  Pike  County,  their  names  and  their  heroic  deeds  are 
enshrined,  and  the  glorious  record  of  them  will  be 
handed  down  to  future  generations.  Their  bodies  lie 
scattered  over  every  battle  field  upon  which  the  con- 
tending armies  met  in  deadly  conflict ;  and  although 
it  is  true  that 

"  No  marble  o'er  their  low-laid  heads 

Points  to  the  sunny  sky 
To  tell  the  ages  yet  to  be 

How  they  dared  to  do  and  die  ; 
Still  in  our  hearts  their  story  lives, 

And  we'll  guard  the  sacred  trust, 
When  marble  shafts  and  graven  words 

Have  crumbled  into  dust." 

My  third  reason  for  responding  to  your  call  may 
seem,  to  many  here  present,  to  be  the  most  appropriate. 
I  have  in  my  hand  a  beautiful  original  poem,  written 
for  the  Ladies  Memorial  Association  of  Pike  County, 
Alabama,  by  Prof,  Fletcher  J.  Cowart,  of  Brundidge, 
in  memory  of  "  Our  Heroic  Southern  Dead,''  which  I  pro- 
pose to  read  to  you,  and  which  cannot  fail,  by  its  tender 
pathos  and  its  majestic  measure,  to  impress  every 
heart  present  here  to-day,  with  its  patriotic  sentiments. 
It  asks,  in  thrilling  rhyme,  an  all  important  question  ; 


57 


Can  we  forget  our  heroic  dead  ?  This  question  is  fol- 
lowed by  a  tender  appeal  for  the  proper  and  full  re- 
cognition of  their  deathless  fame,  while  the  last  verse 
most  appropriately  declares  that  these  fallen  heroes 
shall  not  he  forgotten.  But  I  will  let  the  gifted  poet 
speak  to  you  in  his  own  words  : 

Harp  of  the  Southland,  though  thy  strings  are  broken, 
And  silence  decks  thee  with  her  cypress  wreath, 

Yet  give  to  me  one  low,  funereal  token, 

A  wail  for  the  brave  hearts  now  stilled  in  death. 

How  can  we  see  the  pall  of  silence  settle 
O'er  names  whose  lustre  should  be  ever  bright — 

The  heroes  stricken  in  the  storm  of  battle, 

Struggling  for  home,  for  kindred,  and  the  Right! 

0  let  their  deeds,  in  deathless  song  and  story, 
Be  cherished  always  with  a  mournful  pride  ; 

Let  unborn  millions  swell  the  strain  of  Glory — 
How  hard  they  struggled  and  how  nobly  died. 

In  far  Virginia  many  a  one  is  lying, 

Old  Georgia's  hills  are  white  with  bleaching  bones, 

And  cold  the  ocean's  restless  waves  are  sighing 
Above  the  bier  of  loved  and  noble  ones. 

Shall  the  sad  breezes  of  the  pitying  heaven 

Around  their  low  graves  be  the  only  dirge  ? 
And  to  the  sea's  dead  shall  no  rites  be  given 
Except  the  thunder  of  the  ocean  surge? 

Shall  we,  for  whom  they  suflFered,  bled,  and  perished. 
Oblivion's  mantle  o'er  their  memory  throw? 

Nor  hold  their  deeds  as  treasures  proudly  cherished  ? 
Nor  pay  the  debt  of  honor  that  we  owe  ? 

No  !  it  shall  be  our  ever  sacred  duty 

Upon  their  names  with  honors  due  to  wait  ^ 

To  yearly  deck  their  graves  with  floral  beauty. 
While  tongue  and  pen  rehearse  their  tragic  fate. 

In  conclusion,  Mr.  President,  I  desire  to  express  my 
intense  gratification  at  the  prospect  of  a  general  ob- 
servance of  "Decoration  Day,"  in  the  future,  with- 
out regard  to  the  color  of  the  uniform  worn,  or  the 
flag  under  which  the  heroic  dead  fell  upon  the  field  of 
battle.  Already,  the  noble  work  has  commenced,  and 
North  and  South,  in  many  marked  instances,  a  dis- 
position has  been  shown  to  make  no  distinction  in 
soldiers'  graves.  Southern  hands,  with  sincere  ten- 
derness, have  strewn  the  fairest  flow^ers  upon  the 
graves  of  Federal  soldiers,  while  at  the  North,  with 
equal  sincerity  and  tenderness,  that  people  have  laid 
their  most  fragnant  floral  offerings  upon  the  graves  of 


58 


Confederate  soldiers  buried  beneath  their  soil.  With 
such  a  glorious  prospect  before  us,  how  truly  may  we,  of 
both  armies  and  both  sections,  reverently  and  thankfully, 
take  up  the  poet's  glad  and  peaceful  song  : 

"No  more  shall  the  war-cry  sever, 
Or  the  winding  rivers  be  red  ; 
They  banish  our  anger  forever 
When  they  laurel  the  graves  of  our  dead  ! 

Under  the  sod  and  the  dew, 

Waiting  the  judgement  day  ; 

Love  and  tears  for  the  Blue, 

Tears  and  love  for  the  Gray. 

Seventh  Regular  Toast. — Our  Battle  Flag — Carried  in 
triumph  through  every  important  engagement  of  the  his- 
toric Army  of  Northern  Virginia,  it  was  never  touched 
by  the  hand  of  an  enemy.  Responded  to  by  Capt.  A.  A. 
Winn,  who  said  : 

Mr.  Chairman  and  Felloiu- Countrymen — I  am  not  sur- 
prised at  the  enthusiasm  with  which  you  have  received 
the  toast  so  handsomely  given  by  the  last  gallant  com- 
mander of  the  regiment  to  the  hallowed  battle  flag  of  the 
old  Third  Georgia. 

To  Southern  eyes,  the  sight  of  that  consecrated  emblem 
is  indeed  enough  "  to  stir  a  fever  in  the  blood  of  age  and 
make  the  infant's  sinews  strong  as  steel."  It  waves,  to-day, 
in  this  bright  atmosphere  of  peace  as  proudly  and  as  stain- 
less as  when  it  was  first  given  to  the  winds  of  Virginia 
amidst  the  storm  of  battle  ;  and  I  thank  God  that  many  of 
those  who  then  followed  it  as  it  streamed,  defiant,  in  the 
face  of  the  foe,  are  permitted,  to-day,  again  to  rally  be- 
neath its  glorious  folds,  and  albeit  around  the  festive 
board,  to  reform  the  veteran  ranks  shattered  and  broken 
by  war's  rude  and  repeated  shocks. 

We  meet  not  as  conspirators,  at  midnight,  in  dimly 
lighted  halls,  to  talk  and  plot  with  bated  breath ;  but 
boldly,  in  the  broad  light  of  day,  beneath  the  shades  of 
our  native  groves,  and  under  "  the  burning  sky,  'neath 
which  our  infant  feet  have  trod;"  and  we  speak  intones 
whose  echoes  are  not  confined  by  walls  and  flung  back  by 
bolted  doors.  We  stand  beneath  this  flag,  not  merely  to 
"fight  our  battles  o'er  again,"  but  to  renew  and  rekindle 
the  warm  associations  of  the  past,  and  to  unite  more  firmly 
and  more  closely,  if  possible,  Southern  men  in  their  devo- 
tion to  Southern  chivalry  and  to  Southern  interests. 

Pardon  me  for  reminding  you  that  the  war  determined 
no  principle  and  settled  no  issue.    It  was  not  a  war  for 


59 


rinciple.  Its  result,  after  a  four  years'  bloody  struggle, 
emonstrated  only  one  fact,  namely,  that  600,000  so-called 
"rebels,"  however  intrepid,  brave  and  self-sacrificing,  could 
not  whip  in  the  open  field  2,000,000  of  white  men,  well 
armed  and  equipped,  and  drilled  in  the  science  of  modern 
warfare.  This  was  all.  The  flag  we  followed  during  these 
four  years  represented  then,  as  it  typifies  now,  the  princi- 
ples of  free  government  for  which  our  sires  of  '76  fought, 
and  which  Jefferson  in  so  masterly  a  manner  embodied  in 
the  old  Constitution.  This  flag,  then,  was  unfurled  to  rescue 
those  principles,  and  it  remains,  to-day,  as  the  glorified 
evidence  of  the  fearless  devotion  of  the  sons  of  those  sires 
to  the  true  and  imperishable  principles  of  American  lib- 
erty. We  were  not  rebels  in  the  war,  but  the  enemy  were 
usurpers,  and  their  course  since  the  war  demonstrates  the 
truth  of  this  assertion.  I  say  this  plainly,  and  I  mean 
what  I  say ;  and  this  faded  and  tattered  fiag  was  not  the 
standard  of  a  rebelion,  but  was  and  is,  to-day,  the  only 
emblem  of  free  institutions  on  this  Continent. 

In  this  light  we  may  well  gaze  upon  it  with  pride  and 
joy ;  we  may  well  gladly  gather  in  the  light  of  its  un- 
dimmed  radiance ;  we  may  well  cherish  it  while  life  re- 
mains to  us,  and  dying  bequeath  it  to  our  children  and 
our  children's  children,  for  them  to  honor  it,  to  revere  it,  to 
defend  it,  if  it  so  befalls  in  all  the  years  of  the  future. 

Crowding  memories  cluster  around  its  sacred  cross.  It 
has  participated  in  the  victories  and  shared  the  glories  of 
our  people  ;  and  in  the  hour  of  final  defeat,  it  drooped 
upon  its  staff'  unconquered,  but  unresisting,  while  many 
an  eye  that  never  quailed  with  fear  where  death  shots 
were  "  falling  thick  and  fast  as  lighting  from  a  summer 
cloud,"  became  too  dim  to  watch  it  more,  and  lost  the 
last  sight  of  it  in  the  mists  of  trickling  tears.  It  has  indeed 
been  borne  in  triumph  from  Malvern  Hill  to  Appomattox, 
and  has  never  been  desecrated  by  the  hand  of  an  enemy. 
How  well,  how  faithfully  and  how  valiantly  the  men  of  the 
Third  Georgia  guarded  it,  this  splendid  record  shows.  At 
Hatcher's  Eun,  it  was  held  aloft  by  the  gallant  Barnwell, 
from  whose  grasp  it  fell  only  when  part  of  his  arm  was 
shot  away ;  at  the  explosion  of  the  mine  at  Petersburg, 
with  springing  step  and  bold  advance,  it  lead  the  charge 
which  hurled  back  the  invaders  and  piled  them  in  one  red 
burial  blent  in  that  dreadful  crater,  sustained  by  the  hands 
of  the  intrepid  Dennis  Eyan,  foremost  among  the  bravest, 
until  in  the  very  moment  of  victory  the  heroic  ensign 
was  struck  by  a  fatal  shot,  and  died  with  his  flag  in 
his  grasp  and  the  shout  of  triumph  upon  his  lips  ;  no  less 


60 


fearlessly  was  it  carried  by  others,  and  hundreds  of  gal- 
lant men  of  the  Third  Georgia,  who  to-day  we  may 
imagine  as  gathered  above  us  here  as  a  cloud  of  witnesses 
to  these  scenes,  sealed  their  devotion  to  it  upon  countless 
battle  fields  and  bathed  its  folds  in  their  life's  best  blood. 

As  to  these  heroic  comrades  it  was  the  emblem  of  honor, 
the  the  ensign  of  a  lofty  patriotism  and  the  flashing  guide 
to  valor's  wreaths  and  glory's  laurel's ;  to  us,  comrades,  let 
its  cross  still  be  the  cross  of  our  faith,  and  its  stars  be  ever 
the  stars  of  our  hope. 

Each  of  these  fitting  'respones  was  greeted  with  hearty 
applause.  At  this  moment  a  suggestion  was  made  to 
repair  to  the  platform,  and  in  accordance  with  it  the  vet- 
erans and  their  friends  resumed  the  seats  they  had  hitherto 
occupied  in  front  of  and  on  the  stand.  In  response  to 
calls,  a  number  of  brief  speeches  were  delivered.  Among 
these  were  the  happy  and  felicitious  remarks  of  Maj.  Jos. 
B.  Cummings,  of  Augusta,  and  the  pleasant  addresses  of 
Gen.  Thomas,  Col.  William  Gibson,  of  the  Forty-eighth 
Georgia,  who  served  in  the  same  brigade  with  the  Thirds 
and  of  Col.  David  E.  Butler. 

Sergt.  C.  B.  Barrow,  of  the  Home  Guards,  was  vocifer- 
ously called  out,  and  delivered  the  following  brilliant  and 
eloquent  oif  hand  speech,  that  touched  and  thrilled  every 
heart  within  the  sound  of  his  impassioned  voice  : 

IMPEOPMTU  EEMAKKS 

Of  Sergeant  C.  B.  Barrow,  hi  Sergeant  of  Company  D. 

Felloiv  Soldiers,  Ladies  and  Gentlemen — On  an  occasion 
where  so  many  great  orators  are  present  more  competent 
to  do  honor  to  this  long  to  be  remembered  Eeunion  of  the 
fragments  of  one  of  Georgia's  most  gallant  regiments,  I 
had  hoped  to  be  permitted  to  enjoy  the  pleasure  of  a 
retired  listener.  But  I  have  been  summoned  to  the  front 
by  voices  familiar  to  me  in  the  hour  of  danger  and  battle, 
and  though  destitute  of  the  armor  offensive  and  defensive 
with  which  to  do  successful  battle,  while  that  flag  hangs 
conspicuous  in  my  presence,  I  cannot  turn  my  back  upon 
her. 

But  what  can  I  say  that  has  not  already  been  better  said, 
of  things  fitting  to  be  said  on  this  occasion?  What  field 
can  I  explore  from  which  select  contributions  have  not 


61 


already  been  brought  in  richest  profusion  ?  Our  gallant 
dead  have  been  honored  with  choicest  flowers  from  the 
fertile  field  of  memory,  and  requiems  of  praise  have  been 
sung  for  them,  by  tongues  on  this  side  and  tongues  on  that 
side  of  the  fiery  line  which  but  recently  divided  in  fratri- 
cidal fray,  the  gallant  and  brave  of  the  two  sections  of  the 
country  of  Washington. 

All  honor  to  our  immortal  dead !  Their  fame  at  least,  is 
secure.  They  have  passed  beyond  the  ordeal  of  earthly 
reproach,  and  now  repose,  high  up,  in  the  uninvaded  realms 
of  patriotic  glory,  where  thievish  detraction  dare  not  in- 
trude, and  the  proffered  hand  of  corruption  never  drags 
down. 

To  the  gallant  officers  who  directed  our  movements, 
marked  out  the  lines  to  be  formed  or  held,  and  pointed  to 
the  bulwarks  to  be  stormed,  a  just  share  of  this  day's  en- 
comiums has  already  been  appropriated.  Monuments  of 
stone  and  brass  will  greet  the  eyes  of  future  antiquarians, 
monuments  in  language  will  descend  to  the  latest  legatees 
of  our  mother  tongue,  and  mementoes  of  affection  will 
spring  up  from  the  decaying  roots  of  the  tree  of  history, 
wherever  liberty  «hall  be  enjoyed  or  hoped  for,  to  perpet- 
uate the  names  of  our  hero  leaders,  whose  deeds  have 
been  so  conspicuously  and  ably  presented  to  us  to-day. 

While,  then,  I  yield  to  none  in  my  admiration  of  the 
skillful  and  brave  officers  whose  manly  voices  sustained 
our  courage  iu  the  hour  of  danger,  mingled  with  our  shouts 
in  the  moments  of  victory,  and  at  last  comforted  our  des- 
pairing souls  with  outspoken  sentiments  of  conscious  rec- 
titude, when  defeat  came  down  like  a  night  of  horrors 
upon  our  weary  and  decimated  ranks,  I  will  not  detract 
from  the  much  which  has  already  been  so  ably  said. 

My  esteemed  friend  who  has  just  proceeded  me  eschewed 
the  name  of  rebel  by  which  our  opponents  sought  to  de- 
grade us.  As  an  humble  representative  of  the  rank  and 
file  of  the  Confederate  army,  I  beseech  you,  sir,  let  us  not 
eschew  our  name.  It  is  the  last,  and  only  remaining  vestige 
of  right  and  dignity  which  their  magnanimity  has  accorded 
to  us.  Let  us  cherish  it  rather  as  a  reminiscence  of  the  kind 
from  which  we  sprung.  Washington  was  a  rebel ;  Jefferson 
was  a  rebel ;  Patrick  Henry  was  a  rebel.  I  will  not  reject 
justice  though  hurled  as  a  javelin  upon  me  by  the  hand 
of  an  enemy ;  I  shrink  not  from  the  odium  of  that  term. 
It  was  honorable  once  in  this  country  when  men  loved 
liberty  and  scorned  robbery ;  it  will  be  honorable  again 
when  the  wave  of  fanaticism  which  has  swept  in  ruin  over 
us,  shall  have  spent  its  fury,  and  the  agents  who  put  it  in 


62 


motion  shall  begin  to  realize  the  terror  of  its  recoil.  Sensi- 
ble men  at  the  other  end  of  this  republic  are  already 
warning  the  suffering  masses  that  every  action  must  in  the 
nature  of  things  have  its  reaction. 

I  was  a  rebel,  I  am  a  rebel  to-day,  I  expect  to  live 
one,  and  by  the  grace  of  the  Eternal,  I  expect  to  die 
one.  Not  a  rebel  against  constitutional  law  or  govern- 
ment, not  a  rebel  against  the  right  of  my  neighbors,  be 
they  near  or  distant,  high  or  low,  white  or  black,  Northern 
or  Southern ;  but  I  am  a  rebel  against  persistent  wrong, 
rapine  and  robbery,  and  with  all  the  powers  with  which  I 
am  endowed,  I  am  resolved  to  be  a  rebel. 

Old  flag !  could  I  reopen  the  eyes  that  once  gazed  in 
patriotic  admiration  upon  your  folds,  could  I  restring 
into  action  the  muscles  that  once  moved  in  unison  in 
your  defence,  could  I  again  hear  the  manly  tread  of  * 
those  long  lines  of  heroes  who  fell  that  you  might  still 
wave  over  liberty's  domain,  could  I  again  view  the  impend- 
ing ruin  of  my  section  of  this  once  glorious  Republic  as 
I  did  in  1861  in  prospect,  and  as  J  now  see  it  in  retrospect, 
with  my  most  serious -apprehensions  more  than  realized — 
noble  emblem  of  my  country's  former  pride  and  hope!  I 
would  again  be  read}^  to  march  and  strike  in  your  defence. 
Emblem  of  our  hopeful  ambition  in  former  days !  I  re- 
member well  the  day  when  j^our  beautiful  folds  first  flut- 
tered to  the  breeze  and  opened  in  full  beauty  to  the  light 
of  heaven.  A  present  from  the  fair  ladies  of  Portsmouth, 
thou  wast  then  beautiful  as  they,  unsullied  by  a  single 
stain,  unscarred  by  a  single  rent,  pure  and  fair  and  lovely 
thing  !  But  oh,  how  changed  to-day — rent  by  a  thousand 
tatters,  pierced  by  innumerable  missiles  of  death,  hurled 
upon  your  defenders,  your  former  brightness  soiled  by  the 
dust  and  rains  of  a  thousand  toilsome  marches,  and 
dimmed  and  darkened  by  the  sulphurous  smoke  and  dis- 
mal conglomerations  of  the  terrible  battle  clouds  through 
which  you  have  passed.  Ideal  of  the  soldier's  pride !  I 
love  thee  still.  How  strikingly  you  remind  me  of  my 
country's  history.  When  you  were  first  presented  to  us 
by  those  fair  hands,  our  country  was  beautiful,  prosperous, 
hopeful,  progressive,  opulent,  independent  and  happy. — 
Now  it  is  blasted,  stagnated,  retrograding,  empoverished, 
dependent  and  miserable.  How  striking  the  resemblance ; 
as  you  were  then,  so  was  our  country ;  as  you  are  now,  so 
is  she — a  blasted,  despoiled  and  ruined  thing  :  but,  still  like 
you,  beloved  and  cherished — despoiled  of  beauty,  yet 
beautiful  in  ruins. 


68 


But  I  dwell  too  long  upon  this  tlieme.  I  have  been  be- 
guiled by  the  impulse  of  sentiment  from  the  only  topic 
with  which  it  seemed  proper  to  tax  your  patience  and 
attention  farther.  As  a  humble  representative  of  the  com- 
mon soldier,  coming  from  the  ranks,  it  is  but  natural  that 
I  should  ask  a  place  in  the  hearts  and  memory  of  our 
people  for  Private  Smith.  He  had  no  stars  on  his  collar, 
no  stripes  on  his  coat ;  but  he  had  strength  in  his  arm,  and 
courage  in  his  bosom,  and  a  heart  to  do  battle  for  his 
country  at  the  cost  of  his  blood.  He  was  found  upon  the 
skirmish  field  when  the  gathering  clouds  of  battle  reverber- 
ated the  first  muttering  thunder  of  the  coming  conflict. 
When  cloud  met  cloud  and  thunder  met  thunder,  conspicu- 
ous in  the  blaze  of  his  own  lightning,  he  gorged  his  piece 
with  another  fiery  charge.  When  columns  rolled  upon  col- 
umns, like  opposing  waves  upon  some  defiant  rock,  his  radi- 
ant form  was  apparent  in  the  sheet  lightning  which  blazed 
along  the  line.  Forced  by  numbers  to  retire,  he  lingered 
with  the  rear  guard  to  dispute  with  the  vandal  foe  each 
inch  of  ground. 

I  have  selected  Private  Smith  as  my  exemplar  on  this 
occasion  because  he  is  descended  from  a  long  line  of  illus- 
trious ancestors.  His  name  is  derived  from  the  old  Saxon 
word  "  Smiden,"  to  smite,  who  is  the  proud  ancestor  of  all 
the  smiters  in  the  Confederate  army.  Though  our  cause 
was  lost  the  country  owes  a  debt  of  gratitude  to  the  whole 
army  of  smiters,  whether  they  smote  with  musket  or  can- 
non, with  sword,  pike  or  javelin.  High  or  low,  living  or 
dead,  rich  or  poor,  let  the  name  of  my  Smith  have  a  place 
in  your  memories.  Redeem  your  promises  to  him  when 
he  left  his  home  without  hope  of  reward  or  fame,  to  peril 
his  life  for  yours  and  his.  Hunt  up  his  widow  and  orphans 
if  they  are  among  you,  and  educate  them  in  the  stern  vir- 
tues of  their  fathers.  We  shall  need  them  again.  Though 
hostilities  have  ceased,  the  war  of  liberty  against  despo- 
tism is  eternal. 

Carnal  weapons  have  been  laid  down  for  a  season,  but 
if  you  still  covet  the  boon  of  freedom  bequeathed  by  our 
fathers,  you  must  resume  the  fight  on  the  battle  fields  of 
intellect.  Our  lost  fortunes  are  to  be  reclaimed,  our  burnt 
cities  must  be  rebuilt,  our  desolated  country  must  be  re- 
paired and  made  again  to  blossom  as  the  rose. 

I  am  reminded  from  the  rear  that  I  must  return  thanks 
to  the  citizens  of  Union  Point,  for  their  hospitality  on  this 
occasion,  and  to  the  ladies  for  their  presence,  aid  and 
smiles. 


64 


To  the  citizens  I  must  say,  your  bountiful  hospitality  as 
a  community  commands  our  admiration  and  gratitude. 
You  have  contributed  more  to  our  comfort  than  we  could 
have  asked  or  had  any  reason  to  expect.  In  returning 
thanks  to  all,  I  am  requested  to  return  special  acknowl- 
edgment of  gratitude  to  your  noble  representative  and 
exponent  of  Union  Point  hospitality.  Col.  James  B.  Hart. 
I  have  always  coveted  a  friend  of  heart,  I  despise  to  deal 
with  a  man  of  no  heart,  but  feel  happ}^  in  congratulating 
the  people  of  Union  Point  in  having  found  a  citizen  of  all 
Hart,  to  head  them  in  their  enterprises  of  liberality. 

To  the  ladies,  I  must  express  a  thousand  thanks  for  your 
presence,  and  unsparing  contribution  to  the  happiness  of 
this  occasion.  From  the  days  of  Adam  to  the  present  it 
has  never  been  well  for  man  to  be  alone.  Many  of  the 
bachelors  had  a  great  aversion  to  be  taken  prisoners  dur- 
ing the  war,  but  any  of  them  who  may  be  captured  on  this 
occasion  will  get  good  wives,  and  good  housekeepers,  and 
best  of  all  for  some  of  you,  something  good  to  eat. 

Finally,  allow  me  to  say,  as  this  is  my  old  stamping 
ground,  that  the  young  ladies  who  have  honored  us  with 
their  presence  on  this  occason,  are  to  a  near  sighted  man 
fully  as  good  looking  as  their  mothers  whom  he  used  to 
court  twenty  years  ago. 

By  request  the  Secretary  read  aloud  the  subjoined  letters 
of  regret  from  Hon.  Alexander  H.  Stephens,  Brig.  Gen.  G. 
M.  Sorrel,  who  commanded  the  brigade  of  which  the 
Third  formed  a  part  the  last  year  of  the  war,  Mr.  Jno.  D, 
Carter,  of  Savannah,  who  was  a  member  of  the  Tenth 
Battalion,  and  after  being  wounded  served  with  Gen. 
Sorrel's  staff  and  surrendered  with  the  brigade  at  Appo- 
mattox, and  from  Mr.  Kollin  A.  Stanley,  of  Company  F  of 
the  Eegiment,  together  with  that  of  J)i\  Kilby,  elsewhere 
inserted : 

Liberty  Hall,  Ckawfordsville,  Ga., 
31st  July,  1874. 

Capt.  D.  N.  Sandees,  Union  Point,  Ga, — 

3Iy  Dear  Sir. — Your  telegram  of  last  night  was  duly 
received,  but  I  deeply  regret  to  say  that  I  cannot  be  with 
you  to-day ;  the  condition  of  my  health  forbids  the  un- 
dertaking. 


* 


65 


Hoping  that  you  all  may  have  a  pleasant  time  in  your 
reunion,  and  with  best  wishes  for  all  the  "  Old  Third  " 
assembled,  singly  and  collectively,  and  with  an  earnest 
desire  for  the  welfare  and  prosperity  of  all  the  people  of 
our  good  old  beloved  Commonwealth  of  Georgia,  as  well 
as  for  the  peace,  harmony  and  prosperity  of  the  people  of 
all  the  States  of  the  Union,  I  remain, 
Yours  truly, 

Alexander  H.  Stephens. 

.Savannah,  July  29,  1874. 

Col.  Claiborne  Snead, 

Union  Point,  Ga. 

My  Dear  Colonel: — I  must  say  to  you,  and  through  you 
to  the  survivors  of  the  Third  Georgia  Regiment,  how  much 
I  regret  my  inability  to  be  present  at  their  reunion  at 
Union  Point.  It  would  be  a  great  happiness  to  meet  the 
survivors  of  that  famous  and  historic  regiment,  whose 
services  on  almost  every  field  in  Virginia  have  contributed 
to  our  Confederate  renown. 

My  own  connection  with  the  brigade,  of  which  it  formed 
so  conspicuous  a  part,  was  unfortunately  brief,  but  long 
enough  to  endear  it  to  me  by  its  splendid  soldierly  quali- 
ties, and  by  the  trusting  confidence  exhibited  to  a  brigade 
commander,  young  and  comparatively  a  stranger.  I  think 
of  those  trying  days  with  gratitude  to  the  men  and  pride 
in  their  achievements,  and  I  wish  I  could  avail  myself  of 
the  opportunity  to  say  this  to  them  personally. 

The  reunion  of  the  survivors  is  a  happy  thought,  and 
it  is  gratifying  to  know  that  it  has  been  so  successfully 
carried  out  to  its  fulfillment..  I  believe  the  occasion  will 
be  productive  of  great  and  lasting  good  in  keeping  alive 
the  manly  feelings  of  fellowship  in  devotion  and  danger, 
and,  above  all,  in  honoring  with  a  breathing,  living  love 
and  pride  the  dead  of  the  old  regiment ;  the  glorious  dead, 
whose  names,  from  the  heroic  Wright  to  the  humblest 
soldier,  should  live,  indelibly  stamped  on  our  hearts. 

I  trust  that  this  initiative  of  your  former  command  may 
soon  be  followed  by  the  other  regiments  and  battalions : 


66 


the  Twenty-second,  the  Forty-eighth,  the  Sixty-fourth, 
the  Second  Battalion,  the  Tenth  Battalion — Georgians  and 
comrades  all,  that  Wright  led  at  Chickahominy,  Manassas, 
Sharpsbiirg,  Fredericksburg,  Chancellorsyille  and  Gettys- 
burg. 

To  yourself.  Colonel,  yours  should  be  no  common  pride. 
The  surviving  colonel  of  the  Third  Georgia  Regiment, 
yours  it  is  to  revive  its  memories  and  guard  its  fame. 

Permit  me  to  say,  with  the  survivors  whom  you  are  to 
meet,  that  this  trust  is  safely  placed. 

Again,  and  deeply  regretting  my  absense  on  this  most 
interesting  occasion,  I  am,  Colonel,  with  great  respect. 

Yours  truly  and  faithfully, 

G.  M.  Sorrel. 

Sayakxah,  July  29,  1874. 
To  THE  Veterans  -of  the  Third  Georgia, 

Union  Point,  Ga. 

Friends  and  Convtrymen. — I  cannot  express  how  deep  is 
my  regret  that  at  the  last  moment  I  tind  I  am  unable  to 
accept  the  generous  invitation  to  be  with  you  on  the 
glorious  occasion  of  your  first  reunion  and  reforming  of 
the  ranks  after  that  memorable  parting  nine  years  ago  at 
Appomattox,  which  I  witnessed  with  my  own  eyes. 

It  affords  me  pleasure,  however,  to  offer  my  friend,  Capt. 
A.  A.  Winn,  as  a  substitute — a  better  one,  by  the  way,  than 
many  that  were  put  in  service  during  the  war.  I  think  the 
examining  board  of  surgeons  will  find  him  sufficiently 
healthy,  and  even  large  enough  to  do  the  double  duty 
imposed. 

I  send  you  this  toast : 

THE  FALLEN  HEROES  OF  SORREL'S  BRIGADE: 
On  Fame's  eternal  camping  ground 

Their  silent  tents  are  spread, 
And  Glor}-  guards,  with  solemn  round, 
The  bivouac  of  Our  Dead."' 

With  heartfelt  greetings  for  all  the  veteran  boys  of  the 
ever  gallant  Old  Third,  believe  me  proud  to  subscribe  myself 

Your  Fellow  "  Keb.," 

Jno.  D.  Carter. 


67 


Dublin,  Ga.,  July  29th,  1874, 

To  THE  Third  Georgia  Kegiment, 

Union  Point,  Ga. 

Dear  Comrades — It  being  impossible  to  be  with  you  in 
jour  reunion  on  the  30th,  I  cannot  let  the  opportunity 
pass  of  mingling  my  love  and  affection  for  the  "old  Third' 
on  that  occasion  with  yours. 

I  have  embalmed  its  toils,  its  hardships,  its  self-hood, 
its  manhood,  its  valor,  and  its  unfailing  glory  in  my  heart ; 
and  with  sacred  duty,  around  my  fire  side,  /  tell  it  aU,  and 
teach  my  little  ones  to  tell  it  around  their  s,  that  its  history 
may  live  longer  than  the  bras-'^  and  the  neiu  marble  of  our 
conquerors. 

When  I  think  of  our  battle-scarred,  the  "  armless 
sleeves," — of  our  limping  ones, — of  our  dead,  truly  my 
heart  is  wrung  afresh  with  deepest  sorrow — but  then  rushes 
up  the  valor,  and  with  it  its  sheen  of  glory,  rising  heaven- 
ward, and  then  I  feel  theirs  is  "Fame's  eternal  camping 
ground." 

Though  many  of  us  cannot  be  in  this  Eeunion — may 
stray  away  from  each  other  and  forget  and  be  forgotten — 
let  us  always  remember  the  widows  and  the  orphans  of 
our  fallen  braves,  and  ever  extend  to  them  our  warmest 
S3'mpathies  and  kindly  aid. 

Remember  me  in  your  greetings  to-day,  and  whether  we 
have  another  reunion  on  earth,  as  we  fight  in  the  battle 
of  life  "  spread  out  before  us,  let  us  all  remember  the  Great 
Reunion  "  beyond  the  sunset's  radiant  glow,"  aod  be  ready 
for  the  croicn  of  the  "  finally  faithful y 
I  am,  dear  comrades,  with  much  esteem. 

Yours  forever, 

RoLLiN  A.  Stanley, 
Co.  F,  3d  Georgia  Regiment. 

Subsequent  to  the  reading  of  these  letters,  the  following 
resolution  of  thanks  to  the  citizens  of  Union  Point  and 
Greene  County,  for  their  unbounded  hospitality,  was  offered 
by  Capt.  John  S.  Reid,  and  was  unanimously  adopted  : 


68 


Resolved,  That  the  citizens  of  Union  Point,  and  vicinitj, 
have  our  sincere  thanks  for  their  generous  hospitality ;  and 
that  we  will  ever  hold  them  in  grateful  remembrance  for 
the  many  kindnesses  which  they  have  extended  to  us  at 
this  our  first  reunion. 

On  motion,  the  veterans  adjourned  their  meeting,  sub- 
ject to  the  call  of  the  president. 

The  inspiring  music  of  Gardner's  Band  called  the  vet- 
erans and  their  friends  to  the  dance,  which,  with  pleasant 
conversation,  in  a  measure  dispelled  the  sadness  of  the 
leave-taking  that  was  at  hand.  The  afternoon  thus 
delightfully  ended,  and  a  moonlight  hop  detained  the 
pleasant  party  until  the  night  was  far  on  the  wane.  Not 
a  few  of  the  veterans  remained  over  until  next  mornings 
some  again  occupying  their  soldier-quarters  in  the  floral 
hall  of  the  Fair  Grounds. 

When  even  the  last  one  of  these  who  lingered  to  the  very 
last  hour  of  the  happy  occasion  had  turned  away  from 
the  scene  of  those  two  days'  rare  joy  and  pleasure,  his 
heart  re-echoed  the  parting  sigh  which  had  come  from 
every  heart  as  the  farewells  were  said,  that  the  long  to  be 
cherished  ileunion  had  reached  its 


FINIS. 


To  the  Veterans  of  the  Third  Georgia  Regiment. 


Comrades: 

Under  instructions  from  Col,  Claiborne  Snead, 
(President  of  the  Veterans  of  Ihe  Third  Georgia 
and  commanding  the  (Regiment ^  I  have  the  honor 
to  request  each  Company  to  select  a  delegate  of 
one  to  meet  Col.  Snead  and  other  delegates  from 
the  command,  at  tlie  ^rown  House,  in  Macon, 
Ga.,  on  Thursday,  the  i8th  of  March,  instant er,  at 
the  hour  of  lo  A.  M.  of  the  day — the  purpose  of 
this  meeting  of  delegates  to  be  to  consider  the 
subject  of  our  next  (Reunion, 

It  is  hoped  every  Company  -will  be  represented. 

Very  (Respectfully, 

A.  A.  WIMM, 

Secretary. 

Savannah,  Ga.,  March  ist.  i8j^. 


GR00VEr7s TUBES  &  CO., 

COTTON  FACTORS 

 AND  


I 


General  Commission  Merchants, 

94  BAY  STREET,  -  SAVANNAH,  GA. 


Our  Fire-Proof  Warehouse  is  one  of  the  largest  and  finest  in  the 
State. 

Consignments  are  solicited  for  Sale,  Shipment  to  Liverpool  or 
Storage,  on  which  liberal  advances  will  be  made  if  desired.  Terms 
reasonable. 

JB^OOIIVO  A IV  1>  TIES  T^XJFtlVTSHE D. 


WM.  E.  ALEXANDER,  WM.  A.  RUSSELL, 

JOS.  E.  ALEXANDER,  CHAS.  R.  MAXWELL. 

ALEXANDER  &  RUSSELL, 

Wholesale  Grocers 

 AND  

Liq[ii-or  Dealers, 

COR.  ABERGORNI  BRYAN  STS., 
SA.VA.:N^N A.H,  GA. 

G.  M.  SORREL.  A.  C.  SORREL. 

SORREL  BROTHERS, 

SAVANNAH,  CA.^ 

SORREL  ^  CO., 

GRIFFIN,  GA., 

(jeneral  Commission  Merchants. 

i       AGENTS  FOR  ZELL'S  PHOSPHATE, 
t 


